Something to reflect on.... |
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Dear colleagues
I wonder……… how many friends you have? That question, if asked a few years ago, would be understood with no additional clarification required. However, with social media and its understanding of ‘friend’ and how they are counted, the word has taken on an additional meaning for some people!
What word do you use for a friend, other than the actual noun itself? My hunch is that it could be influenced by a range of factors, possibly your age; where you live; where you experienced your formative years – and much more. It’s likely you may have used a number of words for ‘friend’ at different times of your life, depending on circumstances, who you are/were with and other influences.
Here are just a few synonyms for ‘friend’ that might make you smile, cringe, not recognise, or may surface a memory :
Pal – Buddy - Mate - Blood brother – Chum – Bro – Bezzie – BFF – Side kick
It’s interesting that particular words in prose, poetry and speech can intentionally or unintentionally, change, emphasise or evoke a fresh understanding. This is true of The Bible! There are now many and varied versions available. Some are accurate translations from the original Hebrew and Greek, or later Latin; others are versions that have been created from a particular English translation, with the intention of making them accessible or written in a particular English dialect or using words that are current to express the meaning in a familiar way.
I have my ‘go-to’ versions, some of which I intentionally use with different groups, settings and contexts. If you’re not familiar with ‘Bible Gateway’, I commend it to you to enjoy, gain new insights and to perhaps evoke a fresh understanding of a verse, story or Psalm that means something to you. You can type in any Biblical Book, Chapter, Verse and select a version – it’s fascinating! The website is BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages.
I started this reflection with the great phrase (that’s especially known to anyone who is familiar with ‘Godly Play’) : I wonder……………..… So, I wonder…………… how you might understand or have a fresh feel for the well-known verse in John’s Gospel, Chapter 10 verse 10 from the following versions/translations? You’ll recall that ‘Ten Ten # Flourishing’ was our 2022 Diocesan Education Project.
John 10:10
New International Version : I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
New Living Translation : My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
The Voice : I came to give life with joy and abundance.
The Message : I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
King James Version : I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it in abundance.
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition : I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it till it overflows.
Revised Standard Version : I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
With thanks for all you do and who you are in our schools and communities. |
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Jeff
Jeff Williams
Director of Education |
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Book recommendation: The Boy who loved to ask big questions by Laura Caputo-Wickham |
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Part of the popular series of biographies ‘Do Great Things for God’, this book introduces children to the imaginative mind behind Narnia and Mere Christianity. C.S. Lewis was curious and creative from his earliest days, and this biography walks children through both fun and formative questions he asked and where they led him. Children will learn about his famous stories and his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as the suffering he faced when loved ones died and when he was injured in World War I. Most importantly, children will hear how C.S. Lewis came to answer questions like “Why does God let bad things happen?” and “Is God even real?” |
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Bags of Hope Project linked Book Recommendation: Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egneus |
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Lubna's best friend is a pebble. Pebble always listens to her stories. Pebble always smiles when she feels scared. But when a lost little boy arrives in the World of Tents, Lubna realizes that he needs Pebble even more than she does. This emotionally stirring and stunningly illustrated picture book explores one girl's powerful act of friendship in the midst of an unknown situation. |
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New Statement of Entitlement for RE |
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The Statement of Entitlement for RE in CofE schools has been rewritten and can be found here. The document sets out the expectations for RE and will be used by SIAMS inspectors from September 2026 onwards. There is a greater emphasis on pupils understanding that Christianity is a diverse, global faith, and also the diversity within other religions and worldviews.
The new document sets out clear guidance for what pupils, parents and teachers can expect from RE, and also the responsibilities of school leaders to ensure that RE is a high-profile subject, taking at least 5% of curriculum time, and that staff are supported with the resources and training they need to teach RE well.
We will discuss the changes and the implications at the RE network meetings in Spring 2, but if you have any queries before that, please contact Jane.Kelly@portsmouth.anglican.org |
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The SIAMS Annual Report is recommended reading for all school leaders, especially the executive summary and recommendations. Headlines from the 2024 – 25 report include the importance of the theologically rooted vision for shaping the school’s culture; the role of governors in ensuring schools are living up to their Christian foundation and the importance of exploring the diversity of Christian beliefs and practices in RE. Please contact the Diocesan Education Team if you would like advice on implementing any of the recommendations in the report – not just in the year before your SIAMS inspection, but at any time. All our support and training is free for Diocesan schools. |
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Count Your Carbon - Free carbon footprint calculator |
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A free carbon footprint calculator is offered for nurseries, schools and colleges. It supports educational settings to calculate, understand, track and reduce carbon emissions. It’s available here. You can also read the report on how CofE schools are contributing to Net Zero and reducing emissions. |
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We learned recently that Long Sutton CofE Primary School has been awarded the Global Neighbours bronze award – many congratulations to the team at Long Sutton for all their hard work!
If you would like to know more about Global Neighbours and how the scheme can support global learning and creating a culture of justice and responsibility in your school, please visit the Christian Aid website. |
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Childrens Mental Health Week - Live Assembly |
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Join Picture News and Special guest, children's author and mental wellbeing advocate, Katie Hopper for a live assembly during Children's Mental Health week. They will be exploring why feeling included matters on Wednesday 11th February, 9.15-9.45am. Katie will share one of her stories live and children can reflect on how their words and actions can help others feel welcome and supported. The assembly is suitable for: Children in KS1 and KS2 and you can register here. |
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This term’s RE Network meetings will be held at locations across the two dioceses in Term 4. We will be discussing recent developments in the RE world, such as the new Statement of Entitlement, changes to the Right to Withdraw from RE and the implications of the latest curriculum review. Please see the flyer here with dates and venues and let Jane.Kelly@portsmouth.anglican.org know if you would like to attend. Network meetings are a great way to connect with RE leaders at other schools in your area, and a good opportunity to talk through our RE practice and to share ideas and resources. Do try to join us this term, whether you’re a regular or have never been before! |
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Bursaries for free travel to Life of Christ Easter presentations |
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Wintershall Education is offer bursary funding for transport to our 'Life of Christ' performances in 2026. Their newsletter and details are here. If you’re interested, please let us know as we will need to nominate your school by emailing Sam.powell@portsmouth.anglican.org |
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Resources for Racial Justice Sunday – 8 February 2026 |
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The theme for this year's Racial Justice Sunday is 'Love Your Neighbour', exploring what it really means to love our neighbour, especially given the current narratives of hostility, fear, suspicion and hatred of the ‘other’. Churches Together in Britain and Ireland have created a resource pack here, which includes worship material, prayers, and book recommendations. |
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Diocesan Education Project 2025-26: Bags of Hope |
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Our Project booklet is now available here. There are pages of curriculum ideas, art and craft ideas, ready made school worships, and much, much more! It’s worth reading the Introduction so you have an overview of the project, and the contents page so you can see the wealth of support materials that can be used ‘off the shelf’.
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Diocesan Education Project Installation at The Cathedrals and The Priory 2026 |
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Our Installations have become an annual feature of our project, being appreciated by thousands of visitors, often from overseas where our projects are replicated! This year the cost to schools will again be minimal. Specific details will be sent to schools next term, but in essence we will be asking children to fill-in a luggage label, and potentially putting a QR code on the back linking to work in their school, or someone they’ve studied as part of the project. These will be placed around a display of Backpacks, and the ‘stream’ of Luggage Labels will grow, as we invite visitors to interact with the installation by writing on a label and adding it to the schools’ Installation. The national love of Paddington Bear is at a time of resurgence, with the new West End musical ‘Paddington’. How timely! As the cost of the installation to schools will be a mere piece of card for each child, in terms of a luggage label, I’m asking if schools (and individuals, parishes and anyone inspired) to donate a Paddington Backpack and a soft-toy Paddington Bear. This will only cost schools between £10 and £25. The Installations will be amazing, but the impact even deeper – as we will donate the backpacks and soft-toys to various charities that support migrants and displaced people. |
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The Jerusalem Trust has opened the window for primary and secondary schools to apply for funding for resources to support the teaching of Christianity through RE or Collective Worship. Many of our schools have successfully applied for grants of up to £600, which can be used to buy Bibles and other books, and artefacts including persona dolls. You can find out more on their website here. |
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Prayer Spaces in Schools are running an information session in Littlehampton on Tuesday 10th February in the evening. You can find more information and book here. Everyone who attends will receive a free copy of the book ‘Sticky Note Prayers’ about the impact of prayer spaces in schools. You can find lots of practical ideas for running your own event on the Prayer Spaces website, and the Diocese has a selection of items such as a bubble tube which we can lend to schools and churches. |
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Walk Through the Bible are offering interactive Easter video resources, aimed at pupils in Years 5 & 6. ‘Easter Ultimate’ offers 10 hours of free resources, and ‘Easter Essentials’ offers four videos, including an interview with Mary, Jesus’ mother. Visit the Walk Through the Bible website for more information about these and other resources. |
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The Picture News Big Question Award |
The team at Picture news is keen to inspire pupils to think deeply about the wider world and to come up with a big question which they think could change the world. Prizes will be awarded for the most thought-provoking question, the most creative presentation, the best local change maker, and the best whole-school impact. You have until 30th March 2026 to submit your entry, and the winners will be announced in May. You can find out more by clicking on the link here and downloading the entry template here. |
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Copyright © 2025 Diocese of Winchester, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this message because you are: a Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, RE Lead, Chair, Foundation or Ex Officio Governor, Children and Youth Worker, or have requested to join our mailing list in the Diocese of Winchester or the Diocese of Portsmouth.
Our resources and further information are available at:
https://winchester.anglican.org/education-schools/resources-for-schools/
https://www.portsmouth.anglican.org/education/resources/ |
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