Bishop Martyn and Carolyn Lewis, our Director of Leicester Diocesan Board of Education, were delighted to visit St Barnabas CofE Primary school in Leicester recently.
The children and staff welcomed them very warmly and were keen to share the school’s story: its history, its curriculum and, of course, its Christian character.
The school works very closely with the local church - in fact the Headteacher is also the church warden!
The local Vicar, Revd Paul Savage, focuses much of his time at the school, leading Collective Worship each week, serving as a governor and being a pastoral presence to the staff, children and their families.
During the visit, the children asked Bishop Martyn lots of questions ranging from ‘how did you become a bishop?’ to ‘Is there anything you have done that you wish you could change?’
They enjoyed listening to his answers and his reflections on his own calling and what that might mean for them. During Collective Worship, the children and staff all sang ‘Here I am, Lord’ very enthusiastically.
Sharon Ruparelia, Head of Pastoral Care, St Barnabas C of E Primary School, said: “Our head boy and head girl (along with our assistant head teachers) took Bishop Martyn and Carolyn on a tour of our school, dropping into classes: chatting with children about their learning and a Q&A session with a Year 5/6 class.”
This was followed by afternoon tea, where they were joined by deputy head boys and girls and Revd Paul. After this a whole school Collective Worship was led by Bishop Martyn and Rev Paul.
“What an honour it was to welcome Bishop Martyn into our school! From the moment he arrived with Carolyn, our children flocked around him with excitement and were interested in knowing more about the role of a bishop. Members of staff commented on Bishop Martyn’s humble, calm and friendly manner. It is good to know that such a person has been called to oversee and serve churches and church schools across Leicestershire,” said Sharon.