Associate Principal’s Message
Dear parents/carers,
I am regularly asked by scholars about why school uniform is important, and wanted to take the time this week to reflect on this.
Just like the thousands of sporting fans who come together every weekend, wearing their team’s badges with pride, our school uniform communicates that we are one school community, that we are one team: Team Dearne.
Wearing uniform helps children feel they belong, supports positive behaviour, and removes pressure around clothing choices so they can focus on what really matters – enjoying their learning and feeling proud of themselves. As a parent myself, I know how young people’s anxiety about fashion and fitting in can sometimes become overwhelming. A school uniform takes that pressure away. Our upholding of uniform standards is solely designed to ensure our scholars come to school looking smart, confident, and ready to learn.
Your support plays such an important part in supporting our scholars embrace this idea. Helping your child arrive each day in the correct uniform sets a positive tone for the day and reinforces pride in our school. Simple daily checks like making sure they have the right shoes, tie, and PE kit really help them feel prepared and confident.
Thank you for everything you do in supporting uniform standards. By working together, we can create a warm, supportive environment where every child thrives.
Kind regards
Mr Arezoo
Associate Principal
Key Dates
- Monday 2nd February – Wednesday 11th March – Year 11 mock exams
- Thursday 5th February – Year 8 HPV vaccinations
- 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
- Wednesday 29th April – Year 8 Scholar Review Evening
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
Free Bike Checks
Talent Showcase Auditions
Shared Lives Carer Recruitment
Barnsley Parent Power
Parent App
The Pause Parenting app, developed by experts at the University of Warwick with NHS trusts and local authorities, helps parents apply evidence-based techniques to improve children’s behaviour and reduce stress. It offers personalised support and interactive activities, acting as a “pocket” tool for managing challenging moments.
Key Features and Benefits of the Pause App:
· 🧠 Evidence-Based Tools: Provides techniques for anxiety, positive parenting, and behavioural issues based on 40 years of research.
· 🤝 Personalised Support: Offers in-the-moment advice tailored to specific family needs and situations.
· 💬 Peer Support: Connects parents and carers with other local parents to offer and receive peer support.
· 🛠️ Skill Implementation: Helps parents, particularly those in parenting programmes, apply skills learned in sessions to daily life.
· 📔 Reflection Journal: Features a tool for parents to track moods and behaviours to understand what triggers issues.
· 📱 Availability: Accessible on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
FREE to access for Barnsley parents/carers using the access code: BARNS. See the attached flyer for more info.
Barnsley College Junior Chefs
Year 10 University of Cambridge programme
Please see the poster below for details of an academic (online/afterschool) opportunity for Year 10s, delivered by the University of Cambridge.
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.
Vaccination clinics (All year groups)
HPV vaccinations (Year 8 only)
Booster Vaccinations (Year 9 only)
Family Hubs What’s On Guide
Please see the link below for the Family Hubs Spring Term Digital “What’s On” Guide. This is full of great activities and support for families in our communities across the Barnsley area.