Newsletter 11th Nov 2022

11th November 2022


Dear Parents and Carers,

Remembrance Wreath-laying

Pupils from Andy and Paul’s classes represented themselves and the school brilliantly today at a gathering to mark Armistice Day at East Budleigh's village monument. They joined Drake's Primary School pupils, listened to their poetry readings, observed a minute's silence and then laid their hand-made wreath. Classes also made their own displays in school to mark the occasion.


New Courtyard Playground

Pupils have been having a wonderful time in the Autumn sunshine this week in our newly transformed courtyard playground. As well as physical exercise, they have done excellent turn-taking, sharing and helping each other out on the new static gym equipment and sunken trampoline. This upgrade has been made possible with thanks to the Norman Family Charitable Trust, Devon County Council’s Small Grants Scheme and donations from Naked Wines UK and a fundraising quiz night at East Budleigh’s Sir Walter Raleigh Community Pub.


Children in Need

Lots of fun activities and fundraising will be happening this week, 14th-18th November, in aid of BBC Children in Need. See the email that was sent to you yesterday with all the details.


SEND Cricket

As well as in-school activity, Devon Cricket also runs the Super 1s out-of- school club every Wednesday 5-6pm in Exeter. Experienced coaches run the sessions for young people with disabilities or SEN at the Devon Cricket Centre, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QN.

Turn up on the day, or pre-register via this form

For more details ring Lewis on 07960 038945 or visit lordstaverners.org #super-1s


Extra May Bank Holiday

Monday 8th May 2023 has been proclaimed as a bank holiday, to mark the coronation of King Charles. This historic occasion will be a chance for families and communities across the UK to come together and celebrate.


Coffee, Cake and Chat

Please join us for coffee and chat on Thursday 8th December 10-11.30 in meeting room B. Come along to hear from key staff and meet other parents/carers. There may even be a mince pie for you. 


Communication Survey

Please see the Communication Survey that was sent to parents and carers yesterday via email. Please email your replies to Emma Whittock at communication@millwater.devon.sch.uk. Training and information sessions will be held in the new year, based on your responses. 


Online Safety

With Anti-bullying Week (14-18 Nov), our next National Online Safety subject is about tackling online bullying. 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.


Preparing for Adulthood

Parents and carers of pupils in Year 9 and above are invited to an in-school session on Thursday 24th November, 11am-12noon, being run by Elaine Letten from the Preparing for Adulthood team. This will be a chance to learn more about the service and find out about the ‘hot topics’ in Adult Social Care such as Mental Capacity, Deprivation of Liberty, Deputyship. It will also cover the Mental Capacity Act and be an opportunity to ask any questions.

Please do attend if you can. The PowerPoint presentation will be available afterwards for those who cannot make it. You are welcome to send any questions in to parentforum@millwater.devon.sch.uk ahead of time if you do not feel that you want to speak in the group.


Local Christmas Holiday Clubs

For details of Holiday Activities and Food clubs happening in your area this Christmas, visit: Devon HAF Providers Christmas 2022


Blue Tokens for Mill Water

Tesco is kindly supporting Mill Water again through its blue token community grants scheme. Remember to get yours at the till when shopping at any Exmouth or Budleigh store. This will run from October 2022 to January 2023. Money raised will go towards the school’s playground transformation project. Thank you and spread the word. Every little helps!


Rotary Raffle Tickets

Thank you to everyone who bought tickets for Otter Valley Rotary Club’s annual raffle. This has raised a fantastic £311.40 for Mill Water, with the money going directly towards extras enrichment activities and resources for pupils. The draw will take place on 22nd November. Good luck!


Short Breaks Coffee Mornings

Devon County’s Short Breaks Project is working to improve its offer for disabled children and their families. It is working alongside Parent Carer Forum Devon to host a series of coffee mornings so that parents and carers can talk directly about their experiences of the service.

The nearest to Mill Water will be in Exeter on Monday 14th November.

The dates and locations of all their coffee mornings and the booking form can be found on the SEND Local Offer Website


Signposting...

Exmouth Foodbank provides food help to anyone struggling to make ends meet, from its premises in Sheppards Row.

Web: www.exmouthfoodbank.org.uk
Tel: 07749 322291
Email: help@exmouthfoodbank.org.uk

Devon County Financial Support and Advice
Help with household bills, energy costs and financial assistance

Do you need help with childcare costs?
The Government’s Childcare Choices lists all the schemes available here