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A fruitful and prayerful Day of Reflection for School Leaders took place in the wonderful, stained-glassed setting of the Chapel at the Ashdown Park Hotel in Wych Cross earlier this week.

The day, facilitated by the Diocesan Education Service brought a focus on the theme of ‘prophetic voices’. Director of Education, Julie Oldroyd, welcomed delegates and provided the important context around the theme for the day. Sir John Battle, former MP and Chair of the Leeds Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission, reflected on the tradition of prophets and how in light of contemporary analysis, young people today can regard themselves as ‘called’.  

Two school leaders in our diocese highlighted that focus in local contexts. Steve Tindall, headteacher at Holy Family Catholic Primary School in Addlestone outlined the work of the Bee-lieve Foundation and how a small charity can make a significant difference in helping vulnerable children, particularly around mental health issues. Claire Jarman, principal at Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Hove provided a summary of the equality and diversity work that has and is taking place in the Diocese since Chris Lubbe’s inspirational input at last year’s Day of Reflection.  

During the day, delegates were able to enjoy a wonderful Mass celebrated by Bishop Richard and engaging liturgies from Deputy Director of Education, Maria Cowler, and Secondary Adviser RE and Catholic Ethos, Paul McHugh.  At the end of the day, Bishop Richard reminded us that hope cannot take place in isolation. The excellent inputs during the day certainly provided hope and confidence that we should trust the future to our young people.