Newsletter 17th March 2023

17th March 2023


Dear Parents and Carers,

Red Nose Day

Staff from across the school, including the therapy dog, all came together this morning for a walk in support of Red Nose Day (Comic Relief). It was great to see so many happy faces and the sun even shone for us.  After our walk the children enjoyed sharing their red bakes with each other and in the afternoon we all joined in with a Red Nose day disco. A special mention goes to pupil FF who did a fantastic job leading the walk, checking on pupils and representing the school.


Football

The pupils who went along to this week’s football tournament were super! There was a team of 7 boys and 2 excellent supporters (AW and JW). Thank you to the adults who supported the group (Bridgette, Sasha and Emily). Before lunch the boys listened and joined in with Torquay Community Scheme coach-led football activities: dribbling, shooting and passing. After lunch the team took part in two matches; they won one and lost one. All the pupils were well behaved, listened to instructions, joined in with their peers and enjoyed being active too - in fact one child said: "I don't want to go - I want to play more football!”


Parent Governor Vacancy

There is a vacancy for a parent governor on our school’s governing body. Please think about becoming a governor, or encouraging others to volunteer.

Click here for full details and how to apply
(by 12noon on Wednesday 29th March)

Easter Holiday Club 2023

Mill Water is delighted to be coordinating the Holiday Activity Fund (HAF scheme) and hosting a FREE programme of activities for your child.

DEVON HAF LOGO 3.pngThe dates for the next holiday clubs:

  • Monday 3rd April
  • Tuesday 4th April
  • Wednesday 5th April
  • Thursday 6th April

Each club runs from 10am-2pm.

Spaces are limited and we can only accommodate 20 pupils per day (siblings may attend), so bookings will be on a first come first served basis. Please note that the school must be in a position to accommodate your child's needs.

Click here for full details and the online booking form

Closing date for bookings is Friday 24th March 2023.


School Relationship Education Event (postponed)

Parents of pupils in Upper KS2 and above are invited to a RSHE (relationship, sex and health education) in school. This event has been postponed and will now be on Friday 5th May, 10-11am. This will be an informal ‘coffee morning’ style event where parents can find out more about what their child will be learning and can ask questions and raise any concerns they may have.


Consultation Information

I am attaching a link to the consultation document which considers the future of Mill Water’s Post 16 provision.

The first consultation meeting took place on Wednesday 8th March. In attendance were members of SLT, Jackie Ross DCC, Simon Niles DCC, Shona Meek DCC, Chair and Vice Chair of governors, a former Mill Water pupil’s parent, Laura Mann Reviews Officer, Bobbie Potter Clerk to governors, 14 parents and 2 additional governors. Thank you to those parents who attended the consultation meeting this week and shared their personal experiences so openly.

We will be holding a further Consultation Coffee Morning on Thursday 23rd March from 10-11.30am. Come and join us and Jackie Ross from DCC for further discussion. Please let us know if you will be attending.

I am also looking at providing an evening session for parents who are unable to attend during the day. I will write again as soon as this is arranged.


Easter Fundraising

The Bicton Fayre may be cancelled, but the Easter bunny has been doing its rounds, collecting dozens of eggs generously donated to school. First prize is a deluxe hamper donated by Tesco, plus there are heaps more individual Easter prizes up for grabs! JS’s mum Melissa has again kindly donated bags of eggs for this year’s raffle, along with chocolate donations from East Budleigh Village Shop and Sidmouth Waitrose.

All proceeds will go towards extras for all pupils. Tickets are £1 for a strip of 5 raffle tickets and can be purchased online via the Schoolgateway. Just login, select ‘Easter Raffle 2023’ and chose how many strips you wish to purchase. Or send your money into school in a labelled envelope.

Tickets are on sale until Thursday 30th March and will be sent home with pupils. The draw will be on the morning of Friday 31st March. Thank you and good luck!


Communication Software Discount and Support

AssistiveWare is offering a 50% discount from 28th March – 3rd April, or a two-month free trial, on a range of their apps and learning solutions.

Mill Water’s Communications Team is available to support families with their applications, if needed. Just email: communication@millwater.devon.sch.uk


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.