5th December 2025
An Advent Message from Revd April Gold
Dear Friends,
It was wonderful to see so many of you at the Headteacher’s and Parish Partners’ conference in November. I found Diane Osagie’s keynote truly inspiring, and it sounds like many of you did too. I love it when a speaker sparks real reflection, especially because it lands differently for each of us. If her words stirred something in you and you’d like to talk it through, please do get in touch — Georgina and I would be delighted to explore ideas with you.
I can hardly believe we’re already in December. The next few weeks will no doubt be full of preparations in school, excited children and young people counting down the days, and staff wondering how everything will get done. I hope you find moments to share in the joy and wonder of the season, especially through the eyes of those who can only remember ten Christmases or fewer!
For some, though, this time of year can be difficult. Whether you’re entering the festivities with excitement or with heaviness, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. If you’d like company, a listening ear, or someone to share in your school activities, I’m here.
In the Church, Advent is a season of waiting and expectation. This year I find myself thinking again about Mary — a young woman whose life is transformed in an instant when Gabriel says:
‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.’ Luke 1:30-33.
Her calm acceptance and trust in God in the face of such profound change is something I hope to learn as I continue through life.
Bishop Sophie has spent the last few months visiting deaneries and schools across the Diocese. During Advent she’s inviting us all to be especially watchful and to listen for what God may be saying about the year ahead. You may find the “Watching and Waiting” prayer resources helpful in Collective Worship or reflection times. I know she would love to hear what children, young people, and staff in our schools feel God is saying to them.
I hope you find time for rest and reflection over Christmas and the New Year, and I look forward to seeing you all in January.
Many Blessings,
April
School News
Bishop Sophie was visiting Rugby Deanery this week. Revd April Gold joined her at Harris CofE Aacdemy where the Bishop met with Roberta Harrison the Headteacher, Michael Cowland MAT CEO and were hosted around the school by the Head and Deputy Boys and Girls and other members of the student leadership team including the worship lead and Christion Union lead. Jacqueline Ladds, Diocesan Secretary was also in attendance and Revd James Sampson-Forster, Assistant Curate at St Andrews Church Rugby and a Foundation Governor.
SIAMS News
Congratulations to staff and governors at Mappleborough Green CofE Primary who had their SIAMS inspection last month. They were found to be living up to their foundation as a Church school, enabling pupils and adults to flourish. You can read the report here.
ISingPOP – What’s on Offer for Schools Now and in 2026 – Free through the DBE Partnership
The Belonging Box – Collective Worship Training
Have you recently done the Difference course with your school? During 2026 iSingPOP are piloting training for KS2 pupils using the Belonging Box, a resource to help pupils develop their spirituality and build on implementing those difference habits in school to create a community of belonging. Contact Emma to join in (details below)
Bespoke Main Event – an iSingPOP Main event with a Twist!
Perhaps you’ve had an iSingPOP workshop but not yet had a main event? During 2026, there are 7 remaining slots for your school to have a bespoke iSingPOP Main event tailored to your school’s values and community. If you’re intereed at what this might look like, contact Emma (details below).
2026 Dates Currently Available:
- 18-20 May with Concert on the 21 May
- 01-03 June with Concert on the 04 June
- 29 June –01 July with Concert on 02 July
- 22-24 September with Concert on 25 September
- 05-07 October with Concert on 08 October
- 19-21 October with Concert on 22 October
- 09-11 November with Concert on 12 November
Joy Seekers Workshop Days
A whole school workshop day about mental health and wellbeing. 2 songs, a prayer activity, bible teaching and ending with a whole school celebration assembly.
2026 Dates Avaiable:
25 February / 23 March /06 July / 29 September/ 01 October
04 November / 18 November /25 November
These events are all free as part of the DBE/iSingPOP partnership.
For further information about how any of these events might look for your school, or to book, contact Emma at emma.kenyon@isingpop.com
For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org