A final message from Revd April Gold – Diocesan Director of Education
Dear friends,
This is my final contribution to Headlines, and as I write it I find myself reflecting on endings and new beginnings.
Over the last month I have had many opportunities to say goodbye to people from across the diocese. Leaving is never easy, and I find myself reflecting on all that has been, and all that remains undone. There are certainly things I could have done differently, and things I would still like to have seen through as Director of Education. Perhaps that is always the way when we care deeply about the work we have been called to do.
Alongside that, though, I have a growing sense that God is calling me into a new season. What that will be, I do not yet know. For now, it begins with settling into our new home in Ely and planting a new garden.
Gardening has a way of slowing me down. It reminds me that you can’t rush creation. Growth comes in its own time, with patient tending and a willingness to trust what is happening beneath the surface. Seasons come and go; plants grow, flower, set seed and begin again. The more I garden, the more I think our work is like that. We sow seeds, we nurture growth, and we trust others to continue the work when it is time to hand on the baton.
Julian of Norwich reminds us that “all shall be well.” I don’t hear those words as a promise that everything will be easy, but as an invitation to trust that God is always at work, even when we cannot yet see what is growing.
As this academic year draws to a close, I hope you will give yourselves permission to rest. School leadership asks much of you, and the work is never really finished. Over the summer, may you slow down, reconnect with those you love, spend time in creation, breathe deeply, and rediscover the things that bring you joy.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving alongside you. It has been just that—a privilege. I leave with gratitude for all you do for the children, young people and communities you serve, and with confidence that God will continue to bless the work that lies ahead.
As you begin your summer, I leave you with this blessing:
May you find rest in God’s presence,
joy in the beauty of creation,
and hope for the season to come.
And when you need a moment of stillness, perhaps pray with your breath:
Breathe in: Be still.
Breathe out: All shall be well.
With my thanks, my prayers, and every blessing,
April
A Farewell to April Gold
On Wednesday 8 July, St Laurence’s CE Primary School hosted a farewell service to mark the departure of Rev’d April Gold, Director of Education, who is leaving the DBE after nine years of dedicated service. The farewell was led by Rev’d Greg Bartlem, Chair of the DBE, and supported by the wonderful singing of choirs from St Laurence’s CE Primary School and Walsgrave CofE Academy.
Tributes reflected on April’s many achievements and the significant impact she has made during her time with the DBE. It was moving singing some of the songs from ‘Alive’, the praise party masterminded by April which has secured its place in DBE history – its legacy is inspiring and influencing school and church communities today. At the end of the service, April led the children from the choirs out through a guard of honour created by the guests.
April will be greatly missed by the DBE staff team. We thank her for her excellent leadership and support and wish both her and Steve every happiness as they begin their exciting new chapter in Ely.
School News
June was a very special month at Cubbington CofE Primary School, as pupils took part in the school’s first Spirituality Day. The day offered children time to pause, reflect and explore spirituality through the school’s framework of ‘Ows, Wows and Nows’ — considering moments of awe and wonder, times of challenge, and how these reflections can shape their lives today.
The day began with whole-school collective worship before pupils visited St Mary’s Church for reflective activities in a calm, welcoming space.
Back at school, pupils experienced a labyrinth to encourage stillness, mindfulness and reflection. Year groups explored spirituality in age-appropriate ways, including Reception’s ‘Wow Walk’, Year 5’s climate change letters to their MP, and Year 6’s reflections on their time at Cubbington.
The school was also delighted to welcome Bishop Sophie on 1 July. During her visit, Bishop Sophie blessed the beautiful new cross in the school hall and led worship on the theme of forgiveness.
CPD coming up in the Autumn term dates for your diary..
Induction Event for Heads and Senior Leaders – 15/09/26
Heads’ Termly Briefing – 24/09/26
Termly Parish Partners’ Breakfast Meeting – 21/10/26
Heads’ Wellbeing Lunch – 11/11/26
Termly RE Network – date tbc
Trinity Annual Conference – 25/11/26
Salt and Light Retreat – 1-3/12/26
Appointing Foundation Governors – What you need to know – 9/12/26
