Newsletter 27th November 2024

27th November 2024

Dear Parents and Carers,

So who says it doesn’t snow near the sea: hopefully you will have read the snow day letter I sent last week. It wasn’t the day most staff were expecting when they woke up. At 8am it was just raining in Budleigh, and by 9am we were covered in snow. The pupils that did make it in, had a lovely time playing with snow in sensory trays or getting right in the thick of it making snow people and throwing snowballs.

The snow was a timely reminder that we’re heading into Winter, and the wonderful but potentially expensive Christmas period. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please do get in touch. We can discuss ways to help you - earlyhelp@millwater.devon.sch.uk

Some families say they have felt embarrassed asking, but I can assure you we are here to help, you will be one of many families needing help and we will deal with your request sensitively and confidentially.  

Diwali Week

Before the half term holidays we all greatly enjoyed learning about the festival of Diwali, which was celebrated over the half term week by the Hindu community across the World.

Throughout the week we learnt about Diwali customs and traditions through a wide range of activities. We learnt that Diwali is a festival of lights and we enjoyed listening to the story of ‘Rama & Sita’.

On Wednesday and Thursday Nic George, a local artist, visited and we all took part in a range of Diwali themed art activities.

We enjoyed creating traditional Rangoli patterns using a range of media and materials.

Some of us used sand, some of us used sponges, while others used paint, folding paper to create a symmetrical Rangoli pattern. 

We also made shadow puppets to retell the story of ‘Rama & Sita’.

Everyone greatly enjoyed exploring Diwali and we’re already looking forward to learning about Chinese New Year in January. 

Cross-Country Event

A big well done to Ru Garrett who ran in the regional cross-country event against the best runners from local secondary schools. He ran well completing the course of over 5K - and even had a smile on his face as he did it! Thanks to Sarah for being the Mill Water cross-country team manager.

Are you a client of Cooper Associates?

We are looking for parents/carers or other family members with a connection to Cooper Associates - it might be a mortgage, wealth management, accounting or insurance - so that we can access grant funding from them. The grants they offer would help us provide even more opportunities for our pupils, but we need to find someone who is a client or has a connection to them.

If you think you can help, please email Amelia - fundraising@millwater.devon.sch.uk

Dates for the Diary

Friday 29th November & Monday 2nd December
Occasional Days - School Closed

Thursday 12th December
Christmas Jumper Day (Optional)

Wednesday 18th December
Christmas Lunch

Friday 20th December
Last Day of Autumn Term

Tuesday 7th January 2025
First Day of Spring Term