Update from Georgina

Dear Churches,

Over the past 18 months, the local churches have had an increasing involvement with Portway school, and we feel that we are establishing a unique network of support for Portway. The school is incredibly encouraged by the commitment of local churches to pray and offer practical support. In an article in the evening post May 2006 David Hebden the new Head teacher was quoted as saying “he was astonished to find dozens of people from local churches, who meet regularly in the school, and were praying for it to overcome its difficulties”. We have seen some amazing answers to prayer, namely the appointment of an inspiring, motivated and skilled head teacher who has led the school out of special measures. We have also had some great opportunities to demonstrate the love of Jesus in the school.

Over the past year we have held termly prayer meetings for the school, provided cakes for the staff on parents evening, 1:1 mentoring for pupils with difficulties, assisted with group work, offered accommodation for teachers, provided admin support, all of which have been greatly appreciated. We will continue to expand our ministry as God guides us.

Last term I was appointed a member of the Interim Executive Board for the school. (Since 1 September 2002 LEAs, with the approval of the Secretary of State, have been able to replace the governing body of a school causing concern with an interim executive board). My main role on the board is to represent the community. Therefore I would like to make myself available to be able to discuss any issues you have concerning the school and surrounding community that I may be able to address with the IEB. I would be grateful if you could inform your congregations of my role and invitation for discussions.

Furthermore I would like to form a group with representatives from each church that could meet occasionally to discuss the role of the local churches in the school and various contributions we make to the school. This could be a forum for discussing issues that could be addressed by the IEB. I have invited a representative from each church to talk further about this at a meeting in early September.

I want to take this opportunity once again to thank everyone for their support, and look forward to see how God leads us together in this ministry.

Georgina Doutre - pray4portway@hotmail.co.uk