Newsletter 21st October 2022
21st October 2022
Dear Parents and Carers,
May I take this opportunity to thank my staff for a tremendous half term’s work. We have seen changes in seasons, key staffing at DCC, Prime Minister, chancellor, education secretary (4 in a year), policies, end of Covid (is it/isn’t it) and more. Throughout it all, each individual member of staff has given of themselves to ensure the school runs smoothly and in the best interests of the pupils.
We have enjoyed visiting theatre, artists, musicians, apple week, an amazing new playground for EYFS, parent information sessions, 10k and triathlon fundraisers, careers fair, stay and plays and more. I for one want to give a big shout out to all my staff, who are incredible.
Of course in a busy school environment, things can always improve and we are keen to listen: so please use Mill Water’s communication channels to get in touch. Next term we have another parent forum planned, so join us for coffee/cake and a chat where you can meet key staff and other parents. There will be parent/teacher meetings which can be face to face or virtual as well as class activities for you to get involved in.
New EYFS Playground
This fantastic resource was a long term project that was finally installed over the summer. EYFS children have been enjoying it non-stop and it has created some amazing new outside play opportunities. This has been possible through generous funding from: The Wooden Spoon Rugby Charity for Children, Garfield Weston Foundation, Norman Family Charitable Trust and Gibbons Family Charitable Trust.
Other budding artists include...
These three boys in Paul’s class, who have been working collaboratively to produce some great collage work. They used design and technology skills to plan, resource and produce their work. Well done Warrick, Liam and Josh.
PTFA Meeting
Mill Water PTFA’s AGM meeting will be on Monday 31st October, in school, 1.30-2.30pm. This will be a chance to hear more about fundraising events and opportunities for pupils, and to find out how you might lend your support. If are unable to attend but would like to help with activities in general, please email Georgia at fundraising@millwater.devon.sch.uk
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.
Evidence for Learning
If parents are unable to access evidence for learning, please can they contact Grace Norman using this email address EfL@millwater.devon.sch.uk
There is also a guide here for downloading and using the Evidence for Learning Family App
Speech and Language Resources
A new Speech and Language Therapy online service has been launched by Devon’s Children and Family Health.
Find out more here: Children and Family Health Devon #earlycomms
If you are waiting to see a therapist, you can also find helpful resources here: Speech and Language Therapy Resources #Covid-19
Rotary Raffle Tickets on sale for Mill Water
Tickets and a letter have gone home for the regional Rotary Club Raffle for 2022. 90% of tickets sold will go directly towards extras for our pupils.
First prize is £1,000!
£1 per ticket or £5 for a book of 5. On sale until Mon 31st October, with the draw taking place on Thursday 22nd November. If you need more tickets or details, please email the office at info@millwater.devon.sch.uk
Thank you and good luck!
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!
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
Online Safety
In this week's guide you can find out about the snapchat addon Sendit and how best to keep children safe while using social media apps such as Snapchat. 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.
Autumn Covid Booster Vaccination
The Autumn Covid Booster vaccination is now available to all unpaid carers aged over 16.
Book or manage a COVID-19 vaccination
Further guidance for the COVID-19 autumn booster can be found here
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