Foundation Governors have a vital role in supporting Church of England schools, preserving and developing their Christian ethos.

On 2 September, the new Fishponds Church of England Academy in Bristol became the first Academy sponsored by the Diocese, opening its doors for the first year of its new status.

The attached document provides a brief overview of different ways of working in partnership with other schools to support, amongst other things, sustainability, school improvement and financial stability. This is a constantly changing scene with new models arriving regularly.

The DCYP's course programme for 2012-13 is now available to download here and the website is ready to take bookings here. An exciting range of courses at highly competitive rates is planned for headteachers, senior staff, teachers, governors, clergy and TAs/HLTAs.

This term's newsletter from Director Jackie Waters-Dewhurst features updates on Academies, the Resource Centre, training courses and prayer for schools.

You can download it from the link below.

From the National Society: http://www.worshipworkshop.org.uk/

This website gives you 100 child friendly Christian songs/hymns – liturgy , readings and planning tools.

On the 14th October 30 children and adults from Ashton Keynes Church of England Primary School made the long coach trip to London as part of their prize for winning the Diocese of Bristol banner competition.

"Values For Life" is a structure for school assemblies with weekly themes and resources. Chris Green from Horfield Church of England Primary School has produced a list of song suggestions to go with the themes - you can download it from the link below.

This presentation was given by Revd Canon David Hoyle at the Diocese Headteachers' Conference on 6 May 2011.

We are extremely proud to announce that St. Chad's Patchway C. of  E. Primary School in South Gloucestershire has been named as Wales and West Regional Winner of the Church School Awards 2011!

"This award is partly the result of our school's commitment to Community Cohesion and Global Citizenship, as well as our commitment to promoting Christian values throughout our community," said a school representative.

St. Chad’s has demonstrated the whole of the school community is aware of the vital role they play in nurturing the local and wider community. The Staff and Governors have developed a clearly defined school vision: 'To be a happy learning community based on Christian values which enables all children to reach their full potential.'