Associate Principal’s Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
Firstly, I’d like to draw your attention to the end-of-half-term letter I sent out yesterday. It contains several important updates and reminders that will help ensure your child is fully prepared for the next half-term. I’d also really value your feedback on the changes we’ve introduced, as well as any other thoughts you have that could help your child make a strong start when we return. If you’d like to share your views, you can do so using this form: https://forms.office.com/e/6EFfSie0as.
Secondly, Thriller Thursday has been a real highlight! It’s been wonderful to see so many scholars recognised and rewarded for consistently doing the right thing. As I mentioned in my letter, we’re committed to doing more of these celebratory events—so keep an eye out for what’s coming next!
Thirdly, our Year 11 scholars have been warmly invited to attend our October half-term school. Mr Moreton sent out details of this earlier this week – the timetable for these activities is given below. This is a fantastic opportunity to build momentum in their studies and give them the best possible chance of achieving top grades in the summer. If your child has been invited, please do encourage them to attend—we’re here to support every scholar in reaching their full potential.
Finally, whatever your plans may be, I hope you all enjoy a restful half-term break.
Kind regards
Amir Arezoo
Associate Principal
Key Dates
- Thursday 23rd October – Alton Towers rewards trip
- Friday 24th October – INSET Day
- Monday 27th October – Friday 31st October – October Half Term
- Monday 3rd November – INSET Day
- Friday 5th December – INSET Day
- Wednesday 10th December – Year 11 Scholar Review Evening
- Friday 12th December – Flu vaccinations
- Thursday 18th December – Christmas Dinner Day
- Monday 22nd December – Friday 2nd January – Christmas break
- Monday 5th January – INSET Day
INSET Days
Please note that Friday 24th October and Monday 3rd November are INSET days and the academy will be closed to scholars. School will re-open after half-term on Tuesday 4th November.
Year 11 half-term timetable
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
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.
Talking Teens
Congratulations and Invitation to Join Our Next Talking Teens Cohort
Well done to our second cohort of the Talking Teens parenting course! Mrs Ellis and Mrs South would like to extend their heartfelt thanks for your dedication and support over the past four weeks. It’s been a pleasure working with you, and we’ve truly enjoyed the journey together.
Are you interested in joining our next cohort starting in January? If so, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Ellis or Mrs South for more information—we’d love to have you on board!
Relationship Counselling
Compass Be
If you are a parent/carer struggling to cope with your child/young person’s anxiety, this is the programme for you! Fear-Less Triple P is available to parents/carers in Barnsley, with sessions delivered as part of Compass Be’s Family Practitioner Online offer.
These sessions start on Monday 10th November, delivered weekly for 6 weeks between 4pm – 5pm. For more information on the Fear-less Triple P programme or to sign up use the link below:
Meet the Hatter theatre show
Please see the link for details regarding a show at Barnsley Civic: https://barnsleycivic.co.uk/event/meet-the-hatter/
Blaze Runner
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has launched Blaze Runner, a fast-paced online game that helps you think about how to escape safely in a house fire.
As you race through the maze, you’ll collect items like a phone and keys – just like you would in a real emergency. If you score high, you could win prizes including Tramlines Festival tickets, a Gulliver’s Valley family pass, a Yorkshire Wildlife Park visit for six, or a £150 shopping voucher.
After playing, you’ll be invited to download a free template and make your own fire escape plan with your family to keep you safe in your home.
Play the Game: Blaze Runner
Love Where You Live Programme
As part of the ongoing Love Where You Live programme, council officers are wanting to work alongside residents, volunteers, schools, and businesses in order to target local hotspots.
They will be in the Dearne South (Goldthorpe and Bolton) between 11th – 13th November with a focus on Beever St, Frederick St and Broadwater, Ingsfield Lane lower area.
They will be providing the pickers, high viz vests and bags, all you need to bring is sensible shoes and clothing. They appreciate any time you can give on the day and would really welcome your input. (They normally start at 9.00am and finish for 2.30pm but any time you’re able to give during these hours is greatly appreciated)
Please email darrylhand@bransley.gov.uk if you would like to attend so you can be kept up to date with meeting points and times, as well as any changes they may need to make due to weather conditions.
New OWLS
Night OWLS is a single point of access, overnight listening service for people experiencing emotional difficulties. This is to support young people, their parents and carers living in Bradford, Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield and Barnsley.
Night OWLS
Call: 0800 148 8244 (freephone)
Text: 07984 376950
Online support: wynightowls.org.uk
Open from 8pm – 8am. 365 days a year
Lantern Workshops
Parenting Courses
Please see the link below to parenting courses offered by Barnsley Council: