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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Tuesday, 11 April 2017. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
The start of the new term means a fresh start for the thousands of children returning to classrooms in the 284 Church of England schools in the Diocese of Oxford.
The Door focuses on some of the fun - and more serious elements of life in our schools.
By Anne Davey
For all connected with schools, September brings a new start as we return, hopefully refreshed and energetic after the summer break.
Small four-year-olds in school uniforms slightly too large for them stand nervously at the school gate, clutching the hand of a trusted adult.
Outwardly confident 11-year-olds stroll independently into secondary schools, probably not giving that same adult a backward glance as they rush to the bus, but probably feeling just as nervous inside.
There will also be approximately 50 new headteachers in schools in this diocese, and hundreds of other new teachers and school staff. Those who work out of Diocesan Church House for the Board of Education and our multi academy trust, the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust (ODST), are, by now, well used to change.
Since I was appointed four years ago, we have recruited 25 new staff to the central team, mostly to new posts.
We have moved from a dual system of the church working alongside local authorities - a system which has prevailed since 1870 - to take control of education coming through academy companies. The May 2015 election result makes it clear that this change is permanent.
This represents a considerable opportunity for the Church, since those we appoint are now accountable for schools' academic effectiveness and financial stability, as well as their Christian character.
This also presents considerable risk.
If we value our church schools, we need to secure them, in this new world where statute no longer protects us and where we can no longer rely on our historical educational contribution to secure our place in the market-led future. Now more than ever, we have to be excellent.
We run our academies directly, using local church members, parents, and others as trustees who must ensure all pupils make good progress.
In these times of increasing financial austerity, they also have to achieve more, with less.
School governors and academy trustees now need to be outward-facing, business-minded, effective drivers for change.
Quite simply, being accountable means we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run our schools directly.
But if we do not run them effectively, the opportunity may be given to others instead. The central education team has undergone an immense period of change to be ready for this.
We need every church community which has a school in it to join us in the mission to secure our schools as effective church schools within this changing world.
Peace and quiet at children's retreat
by Diana Bagshaw
ON the hottest day of the year 13 children from the Sulhampstead and Upton Nervet CE Primary School were treated to the first peace and quiet themed retreat day organised by St Mary's Church. The youngsters walked across fields to St Mary's Church, Sulhampstead, pausing for drinks of water and a tour of St Michael's churchyard at Sulhamstead Bannister, given by the Revd Anthony Peabody. At St Mary's, a variety of activities were offered including a relaxation exercise in the peace of the churchyard, Bible readings, a tour of the church and churchyard, drawing/designing a window, writing poems and quiet reading. About 20 people shared lunch in the Parish Room and the children served the adults.
The retreat finished with prayers in church and each child was given a book of the parish history recently written by David Pearse.
It is hoped the day will be repeated next year.
A slice of Army life for Grove pupils
ON Friday 10 July the pupils and staff of Grove CE Primary School joined the Army for the day.
The aim was to learn about the skills needed in the Army and to involve families of children at the school who are based at Dalton Barracks, Abingdon. The day began with flag making and each team proudly displayed their colours as they visited the seven different activity stalls throughout the day.
The most popular activities were a drill session on the playground, tasting army rations and a bean bag grenade range.
A neolithic trip to Waylands Smithy
CHILDREN from St Peter's CE Infants, Alvescot in Oxfordshire recently visited Wayland's Smithy, a Neolithic site near the Uffington White Horse, and wrote about their adventures:"When we arrived at Wayland's Smithy we met a man called Andy with his dog and he told us a legend about a Blacksmith and some treasure.
After hearing the story we searched for treasure in holes in the stones.
We found lots!"We put the treasure back and walked to White Horse Hill where we had a picnic, watched the trains and flew kites.
Mr Wise wasn't very good at flying the kite at first but then Mrs Honour helped him to fly it! Then we got back on the coach and went to Court Hill, where we had a drink, a snack and played in the woods. "In the evening, we had a delicious dinner.
We then went for a walk with Keith where we found fossils and saw a Roe Deer with its baby! Back at Court Hill we collected sticks to make a camp fire and toasted marshmallows.
We were all very tired, so then had hot chocolate, a bedtime story and went to bed.
We all had a fantastic time!"