Parent Newsletter 19/12/2025

Associate Principal’s Message

Dear families,

The tragic event on Bondi Beach this past weekend reminds us that, even during times of celebration, some among us may be facing challenges and difficulties. As I shared in my morning message to scholars on Wednesday, while Christmas is often seen as a season of gift-giving and indulgence, it is also a time for reflection—looking back on the successes and struggles of the past year, and looking forward to the opportunities and goals that lie ahead, no matter what we have faced.

For me, Christmas represents hope—a chance to embrace new opportunities and gain a fresh perspective on what truly matters in life. Yesterday, as our scholars gathered for a shared Christmas dinner, the sense of community and belonging shone through. This spirit of togetherness is a cornerstone of what it means to be an Astrea Academy Dearne scholar.

Whatever your plans for the holiday season, I wish you a joyful, safe, and warm Christmas break. I look forward to welcoming all scholars back, ready for school, at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 6 January 2026.

Kind regards

Mr Arezoo

Associate Principal

Key Dates

Monday 22nd December – Friday 2nd January – Christmas break
Monday 5th January – INSET Day
Tuesday 6th January – Friday 23rd January – Year 7,8,9 assessments
Monday 2nd February – Wednesday 11th March – Year 11 mock exams
Wednesday 11th February – Year 7 Scholar Review Evening
Friday 13th February – INSET Day
Monday 16th February – Friday 20th February – February half-term
Wednesday 25th February – Talent Showcase
Wednesday 4th March – Year 9 Scholar Review Evening
Wednesday 11th March – Year 6 Welcome Evening
Friday 20th March – INSET Day
Wednesday 25th March – Year 9 Options Event
Monday 30th March – Friday 10th April – Easter break

INSET Day

Please remember that Monday 5th January is an INSET day and the academy will be closed to scholars.

Lunch Menu

A Meal Deal consists of the following:

A meal meal and either a pudding or water
A sandwich and either a cookie or water
A pasta pot and either a cookie or water

Lunch debt

Starting January 6th 2026, scholars with outstanding balances on their dinner accounts will be offered a sandwich and a bottle of water only. Hot meals will not be available until the account is brought up to date.
Please ensure your child’s dinner account is regularly topped up.

Youth Work in Schools

Our Youth Work in Schools team took 28 scholars to the new Base 71 Youth Club in Barnsley. They had tour of the new building, played football on the 4g rooftop astro turf pitch, enjoyed arts and crafts and played dodgeball, basketball and badminton in the sports hall. This trip was to enhance scholars feeling of belonging to their town and encourage them to attend Base 71 when it opens on 17^th January. If you haven’t already, you can register for a FREE years membership for your child if they live in Barnsley, by clinking on the below link.

Become a Member – Base71 Youth Zone

As we come to a close on this half term, the Youth Work in Schools team would really value any feedback from parents/carers to help them to continue to develop the programme in the New Year. Please follow the link below.

Parent Feedback for Astrea Academy Dearne– BYouth Youth Work in Schools Programme – Fill in form

They have some new enrichment starting in the new term, which includes an ‘After Bell’ Youth Club, New Year-New You arts enrichment and Darts Club. Please encourage your child to speak with a Youth Worker in school in January if they are interested in any of their enrichment activities.

Nut free school

A reminder that Astrea Academy Dearne is a nut free zone. We have scholars and members of staff in school who have severe nut allergies. Please do not allow children to bring in any products containing nuts.