12th September 2025
Start of Term Message from Revd April Gold
Welcome Back!
Dear friends it is lovely to be able to write and welcome you back to a new school year, and to welcome some new colleagues. In particular we welcome:
David Briggs the new CEO at Fosse MAT , Jenny Mitchell-Hilton at Kineton CofE Primary and Alex Whiting and Hannah Young at Wilmcote CofE Primary, Head of School and Executive Head respectively.
I hope that over the next few months you will take a bit of time to reach out to your local neighbours in the Diocesan family to support and learn from each other.
I attended the Inspire Education Trust staff conference on Tuesday and came away Inspired (pun intended) by the focus on how we educate the current cohort of students to face a world of uncertainty and still be able to thrive. This 2 min trailer was particularly thought provoking and I hope you will find it helpful as you think about your purposes as lead educators.
The film resonates with our Alive 2023 “World Changers” theme and I know that many of you have continued to look for ways to enable your children and young people to exercise courageous advocacy through Global Neighbours, Climate committees and Young Leader’s awards. You may want to think about getting involved with Future Council. Do share these stories with us, it is always inspiring to hear stories of children being agents of change and proving that education is the tool by which we will create a world of equality, inclusion and justice.
Do get in touch if we can be of help in any way or you just want to share something exciting or need a listening ear, we are all in this journey together.
Many Blessings,
April
A prayer for the new school year…
Gracious and Loving God,
We come before you today with anticipation and hope for the new academic year.
We thank you for the wonder of our minds, bodies, and spirits, and for the gifts of learning and discovery.
Bless all children and young people as they begin this new school year.
Develop in them wisdom and strength, and fill their minds with knowledge. Inspire them with a passion for learning and the curiosity to ask good questions.
Keep them safe during their school days, and help them to build kind and respectful friendships with their peers.
We pray for all the teachers, support staff, and wider MAT and LA teams. Thank you for their dedication and for the gifts they share with our children. Grant them patience, creativity, and the wisdom to see the unique potential in every student.
Strengthen them when they feel weary, and remind them of the lasting difference they are making.
Bless the parents and caregivers who support our children and young people. Release them from their fears and anxieties, and grant them the grace and patience needed to guide their children.
May our schools be places where love, joy, and peace flourish.
Help us to see your love in those around us and to make the most of every new opportunity.
We ask all this in Your name,
Amen.
Are You a Newly Appointed Senior Leader? Do Book for the DBE’s Upcoming Induction Event
Wednesday 01 October 2025 – 16.00 to 17.00 – online via Teams – Live Event
For Newly appointed senior leaders in Coventry diocesan schools
Take part in this online event which will bring you up to date with the essential and distinctive elements of life in a Church of England school in Coventry Diocese. We will cover mission, vision and values, SIAMS, collective worship, requirements for RE and answer any of the questions you might have about preparing for success in your new role.
Book here
Other CPD Coming Up to Book in the Autumn Term…
Click on the links below for more information and to book:
Improving the Impact of Collective Worship – 15.09.25
RE and the New Syllabus for ECTs – 22.09.25
Heads’ Termly Briefing – 24.09.25
SIAMS for MATs Annual Update – 06.10.25
Heads’ Wellbeing Lunch Network – 05.11.25
SIAMS Termly Online Update – 17.11.25
Headteachers’ and Parish Partners’ Conference – 18.11.25
Flourish Through Leading: A 2-year programme for Middle Leaders – Register before half term
Archbishops’ Young Leaders Award – Creating a Culture of Justice and Responsibility
If you’ve not run the Archbishops’ Young Leaders Award before, you can find out more through free online sessions this term.
The primary webinar includes all the new details about the KS2 Award and how it supports schools to create an active culture of justice and responsibility. For more information and to sign up click here.
Secondly, a heads up that later this month they will be sharing their Free Collective Worship Advent Resource, as part of the CofE campaign ‘The Joy of Christmas’. Watch this space!
Part Time ICON Schools Administrator Position at Coventry Cathedral
Coventry Cathedral Schools Tema is seeking a (part time term time only) dedicated and organised administrator to support the growth and engagement of the International Cross of Nails Schools (ICONS) Network. This is a fantatic opportunity to contribute to a global reconciliation initiative from the heart of Coventry. Closing date is 19 Sept. Find out more: https://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/uploads/media/ICONS-Admin-Advert.pdf
For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org