Schools team
Schools Chaplaincy in Downend, Bristol:
Christ Church Downend works with seven primary schools in the parish and Downend Secondary School. We have a special, longstanding relationship with Christ Church CEVC Infants and Junior Schools. We aim to work with all schools to jointly support families and children in the parish.
- The Primary Schools’ Chaplain: is Julie Gardner. She visits primary schools in Downend to support all children’s spirituality and wellbeing and to work with staff and families where asked to do so. She co-ordinates the work of the schools’ chaplaincy team, working closely between schools and church.
- Prayer and reflective space workshops: we have a team who visit schools to run prayer and reflective space days, giving the children an opportunity to slow down and have space to reflect or pray about particular themes or topics, such as respect, friendship or love. These are enjoyed by both staff and pupils and support all children’s spiritual journeys.
- Experience events: we love hosting school visits and regularly hold events such as Experience Christmas or Experience Easter, where children visit with their school to take part in an interactive journey to learn more about the life of Jesus. These events support schools’ RE provision.
- Bible clubs: take place weekly at lunchtimes in both our church schools, Christ Church Infants and Christ Church Juniors. These are ably run by our children’s lead, Harriet Jolly, at CCI and a goveror at CCJ.
- Chaplaincy Team: Christ Church is blessed with a wealth of talent and work in schools is shared between the leadership team and volunteers. In addition to the above, we offer:
- Parenting classes for primary and secondary parents..
- Assemblies in schools with our vicars or wider team
- Bereavement support for anyone living in the parish – children or their families
- Christians Against Poverty centre – to support people aiming to become debt free.
Contact details
If you would like to find out more about any of the above or have a suggestion as to how we can support your school or family further, we’d love to hear from you.
Please email: julie.gardner@christchurchdownend.com
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