Newsletter 10th February 2023

10th February 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

Number Day

On Friday 3rd February, we celebrated our first Number day and enjoyed a range of number themed activities. Pupils and staff were encouraged to come to school wearing clothing that included numbers, shapes or any mathematical symbol or reference.

Everyone enjoyed the day and had fun exploring number in a range of different ways. The day included:

     


Reader of the Week

This young man was overjoyed to read to me in school this week. He also reminded me that he told his teacher he couldn’t do it and yet he read a book cover to cover. A wonderful moment he was very keen for me to put in the newsletter.

 

Friends of Mill Water PTFA Meeting

There were some new faces at the PTFA meeting which was nice and a successful meeting was held. The minutes are being written and decisions being firmed up, but in the pipeline are some enrichment activities such as a drumming bus visit, theatre visits/workshops as well as resources that can be used by all such as some physio equipment.

Also discussed was the Bicton Spring Fayre fundraiser on 19.3.23, and the planning around this. Please get involved with this, even if it’s buying some raffle tickets or making a cake. All efforts are gratefully received.

Communication and Coffee Workshop

It was lovely to have 11 parents/carers join our communication team workshop. Grace our communication lead, said it was a very successful meeting, ably led by Jess and they have some ideas they are keen to introduce for the next workshop.

Devon County Council’s latest updates

Let's connect for Children's Mental Health Week

This week is Children's Mental Health Week, and we've been shining a light on the topic to encourage all of us to talk more about young people's mental health.

It's normal for children and young people to experience worry, stress or anxiety, and it's important to know that talking about it is good.

Sometimes though, it's hard to spot the signs that someone you know is struggling with anxiety or stress, and hard then to know what you can do to help.

But there are signs if you know what to look for, and there is lots of advice and support to help you have those conversations.

We published a special Children's Mental Health Week bulletin this week, packed with information and advice to help parents, carers and young people.

Even if you think it's not immediately relevant to you, it's worth a read because there's possibly information in it that all parents and carers of children and young people can benefit from learning.

It's the half-term holidays next week!

With the holidays ahead, don't forget the amazing county that we live in! Coastlines, National Parks, incredible landscape and heritage including five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a UNESCO Bisphere Reserve, and fascinating towns and villages, all to visit on our relative doorstep.

For ideas to help you enjoy some of the best of what Devon has to offer, visit our Explore Devon website where you'll find suggestions for walking, cycling, wildlife and places to visit. 

And right now, why not let others do the driving! Bus passengers in Devon can take advantage of a cap on bus fares, with bus users paying no more than £2 for a single journey, throughout February and March.

For more information and for great travel ideas for how to get around in Devon, visit our Travel Devon website

The weather's not looking bad next week either, but in any weather, our local Devon libraries have a lot to offer. Find out what's happening at your nearest library on the Libraries Unlimited website

Raising Money While You Shop

Don't forget that you can raise money for Friends of Mill Water School (PTFA) while you shop via

You can find out more about the PTFA here

Signposting...

Devon Signpost Plus has loads of useful information relating to Children with Additional Needs in its weekly Snippets round-up

Winter Support for Woodbury, Exmouth and Budleigh residents
Seachange in Budleigh can offer help with the purchase of ‘energy saving’ items this winter, through the National Grid Community Matters Fund. Please initially contact Sarah Forde at Seachange via sarah.forde@seachangedevon.org

This fund is limited and once it’s gone it’s gone. 

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.