News Stories
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11 Sept. 2024
in SchoolsDiocese’s response to proposals to close island schools
The diocese has responded to proposals from the Isle of Wight Council to close six schools, including three C of E primaries. Bishop Jonathan has outlined our position, which is that if a local authority wishes to close a C of E school, there should be an alternative C of E school nearby where parents can choose to send their children. Read more
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11 July 2024
in SchoolsCathedral displays hundreds of children’s clay sculptures
Our cathedral is hosting hundreds of clay sculptures made by Year 6 pupils who are attending Leavers’ Services this week. Each individual figure has been moulded by a different pupil, in the style of British sculptor Anthony Gormley, and brought to the cathedral by a pupil who is leaving their C of E primary school this summer. They now form a mass art installation at the ancient east east of the cathedral. Read more
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3 July 2024
in SchoolsBishop Jonathan launches national ‘Flourish’ initiative
Bishop Jonathan led the national launch of the new ‘Flourish’ initiative, which aims to create a series of worshipping communities in schools and colleges. Our diocese is one of 12 that will pilot the idea over the next two years. Four of our schools will work in partnership with local churches to create voluntary groups meeting at lunchtime or after-school groups to discover more about the Christian faith. Read more
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28 May 2024
in SchoolsHeadteacher commissioned for new role
The new headteacher at St George’s C of E Primary School in Portsea has been commissioned at a service at nearby Harbour Church, based in St George’s Church, Portsea. Izzy Lewis has been a deputy head at another C of E school in Portsmouth: St Jude’s C of E Primary. Read more
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28 March 2024
in SchoolsHistory made in Isle of Wight school
For the first time, three female priests led Communion services for Holy Week in Christ the King College in Newport. It was appropriate, as we mark 30 years since women were first ordained as priests in the Church of England. Read more
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9 Jan. 2024
in SchoolsSchools chalk their doors for Epiphany
Schools in our diocese have been chalking special symbols above their doors as they celebrate Epiphany. They’ve been remembering the story of the magi who visited Jesus when he was very young. Read more
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5 Jan. 2024
in SchoolsBishop Jonathan opens therapeutic learning centre
The bishop opened a new centre in Charter Academy that will offer students help with their social, emotional and mental health. It will bear his name as ‘The Jonathan Centre’, and aims to offer a programme of therapeutic interventions that all students can access. Read more
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28 Nov. 2023
in SchoolsProject to get families chatting is launched
Our education team is working with churches, families and schools on a project designed to get children talking about faith. Parents are using a selection of books that can normally be found in school libraries to kickstart those conversations about important issues. This ‘Chatting Faith’ project is happening across Portsmouth and Winchester dioceses and is part of the national C of E’s Growing Faith initiative. Read more
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12 Sept. 2023
in SchoolsIsland school welcomes Bishop Jonathan
Bishop Jonathan met staff and pupils on a visit to The Bay C of E School in Sandown, on the Isle of Wight. He was given a tour of the secondary school site and was quizzed by pupils on a variety of subjects. Read more
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29 June 2023
in SchoolsSchool leavers say farewell at cathedral service
Eleven-year-olds who are preparing to leave their church schools came to special Leavers’ Services in our cathedral. The children, from across the diocese, took part in workshops including singing, re-enacting the Coronation and creating prayer pyramids. They then joined in African drumming as part of a special service led by Bishop Jonathan. Read more