Bishop Fiona and Ed Gregory, Diocesan Director of Education, joined pupils and staff at Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School in Taunton for a special commissioning service for the school’s new Spirituality Trail.
The trail offers spaces across the school and grounds for prayer, reflection and hope at the heart of school life. It invites pupils and staff to pause, listen and connect more deeply with God and with one another. It also reflects the part children have played in shaping a community where faith is lived out each day in the way they learn, serve and care for those around them.
The day began with collective worship led by the school’s Pupil Chaplains, during which Bishop Fiona spoke on the theme of belonging and flourishing. After the worship, she commissioned the Spirituality Trail and cut the ribbon to mark its opening.
The Pupil Chaplains and Ambassadors accompanied Bishop Fiona in cutting the ribbon before leading Bishop Fiona, Ed Gregory, the school’s CEO Cheryl Weyman and trustee Gill a tour of the trail, explaining at each spiritual station along the way they explained how the children had contributed to the idea, the design and the construction as part of a whole school design and technology project.
Speaking about her visit, Bishop Fiona said, “I was so impressed with the engagement not just of the Pupil Chaplains who took us around the school but of all the children we met. They really do live out their school ethos to ‘let their lights shine’ in compassion, courage, service and excellence in their school and community.”
Ed added, “It was a delight to visit Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School for a special service to open their new Spirituality Trail. Children across the whole school sang enthusiastically as part of the worship and Bishop Fiona shared a lovely reflection on the importance of community.
“The Trail clearly promotes spirituality throughout the school, and even includes a herb planter in the shape of a cross. The catering team use the herbs for school meals, mint often being used flavour water at lunchtimes.”
A map of the trail was also shared during the visit, showing how the spaces connect across the school and support an ongoing journey of reflection and faith.