I would also like to offer a particularly warm welcome to all those who are beginning a new chapter this September. Whether you are a newly appointed headteacher, a member of staff joining a new school, a governor taking up a new role, or a pupil starting in one of our church schools for the first time, we are delighted to welcome you into our church school family. We hope that you quickly feel a sense of belonging, support and encouragement, and that you will discover the unique joy and privilege of being part of a community where education, service and human flourishing are at the heart of all that we do. We pray that your new beginning will be filled with opportunities to learn, grow, contribute and thrive.

A new school year always brings fresh possibilities: new relationships, new learning, new achievements, and new ways in which we can serve our communities. While we know there will be challenges along the way, I pray that we face them with courage, hope, and determination, confident in all that we can achieve together.

During the summer, many people reflected on the remarkable life and legacy of Dolly Parton, who died on 25 August 2026 at the age of 80. Throughout her life she demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, generosity, faith, and compassion, inspiring millions of people around the world. Her journey from humble beginnings in rural Tennessee when she wore a coat of many colours her mother made for her to becoming a globally admired singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist is a powerful testimony to the impact of hard work, resilience, and kindness.

I find myself reflecting particularly on Dolly's life because, during the summer holidays, I had the opportunity to visit the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood and Nashville, just a few days before her death. Seeing first-hand the area where she grew up and learning more about her story brought home to me the profound impact one individual can have on a community. Her love for her home region remains visible everywhere, not only through the opportunities she created for local people and families, but also through the pride and hope she inspired in others. At the same time, her influence extended far beyond Tennessee, touching lives across the world through her philanthropy, advocacy for literacy and commitment to helping others.

One of Dolly's greatest achievements was the establishment of the Imagination Library. Inspired by her father, who was unable to read and write, and by the frustration and limitations this caused him, she was determined to help children experience the joy and opportunity that reading brings. Since its launch in 1995, the Imagination Library has provided more than 300 million books to children around the world, including many children in the Diocese, particularly in North Lincolnshire.

Dolly spoke openly about her Christian faith and often acknowledged God's guidance and blessing in her life.

She understood that gifts and success are not simply for personal gain, but are opportunities to serve others. Her life reminds us that true greatness is found in using our talents generously and in helping others flourish.

One of her most memorable sayings captures this spirit beautifully: "Dream more, learn more, care more, be more. "

These words resonate strongly with our mission as church schools and sit comfortably alongside the encouragement of Scripture: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. " Galatians 6:9

As we embark on this new school year, may we dream boldly, learn enthusiastically, care deeply for one another, and seek to be the very best that God calls us to be. May we work hard, persevere through challenges, and show kindness and generosity in all that we do.

I wish every headteacher, member of staff, governor and pupil a happy, successful and fulfilling year ahead. May God bless each of our schools and communities as we work together in His service.

Canon Paul Thompson

Diocesan Director of Education