Newsletter 16th Dec 2022

16th December 2022


Dear Parents and Carers,

May I take this opportunity to wish you a very merry and healthy Christmas. Thank you for all your gifts, cards and well wishes. We have seen unprecedented rates of illness both in staff and pupils, but as always the staff have given their all to provide the best learning opportunities for your children.

Kayleigh Price has resigned from her position as Assistant Head. Kayleigh worked at Mill Water for 15 years and has been a key member of senior leadership for the past five. We wish her every success in her future.


Santa's Visit

Santa and his elves brought gifts for all pupils this week. A big thank you to Otter Valley Rotary Club for facilitating this annual magical experience. Santa also left gifts with class teachers for any pupils that were unable to join in, as well as a special video message that you can see here


Mill Water Christmas Raffle

All our classes had winning tickets in our grand draw this week. The top prize of a night away for two was won by AP’s dad Tony. Winners have all been notified.

The raffle raised a record £900 for items that will benefit all Mill Water pupils, paying for things that we could not otherwise afford.

A huge thank you to our many supporters who bought tickets and to the organisations who donated an incredible 83 prizes. It was a great team effort, but a particular shout out goes to Mill Water Governor, PTFA Chair and former parent Debbie Knowles (pictured) who helped to source many of the amazing prizes.

Change to Lunch Menu after Holidays

Please note, the lunch menu will be different (on the below dates) for the first few days after we return from the Christmas holidays. 

January 2023
Wednesday 4th - Pizza and Wedges
Thursday 5th - Roast Dinner
Friday 6th - Fish and Chips


Online Safety

The holiday season heralds a spike in young people encountering new games and apps for the first time. Although games and apps mainly offer harmless fun, there are still risks to remain aware of. National Online Safety’s has top tips for enabling youngsters to enjoy their new apps and games more safely this Christmas.

You can download this leaflet here

You can register with our school here to create a free account, download the National Online Safety App and access all of the free resources.


Parent and Carer Support Workshops

Devon County’s Early Help team are running free ‘Autism and Us’ themed workshops for parents and carers during Spring 2023. They will provide support for those with primary and secondary children who are either on the autism waiting list or who have received a diagnosis of autism.

Full details can be found here

To book your place or find out more, email: educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.uk


Raising Money While You Shop

If you’re starting your festive shopping, don’t forget that you can raise money for Friends of Mill Water School (PTFA) while you shop via Easy Fundraising and AmazonSmile

You can find out more about the PTFA here

 
 

Blue Tokens for Mill Water

Don’t forget to pop your Tesco blue tokens in the box for Mill Water! The stores in Exmouth and Budleigh are supporting us with this scheme until January 2023. Money raised will go towards the school’s ongoing playground transformation project. Thank you and spread the word. Every little helps!


Signposting...

Household Support Funding (approx. £100)
Available for those on pre-payment gas and electric meters.
Complete this online form to apply.

Exmouth Foodbank
Exmouth Foodbank
provides food help to anyone struggling to make ends meet, from its premises in Sheppards Row.
Tel: 07749 322291  Email: help@exmouthfoodbank.org.uk

Wesley’s in Budleigh Salterton
Community larder and a monthly ‘pay-as-you-can’ community supper, in Temple Methodist Church hall, Fore Street, EX9 6NG. Call 07955 863160 for more details.


Dates For Your Diary

School re-opens for Staff
Tuesday 3rd January 2023

First Day of Spring Term
Wednesday 4th January 2023

Half Term Holiday
Monday 13th - Friday 17th February 2023