Weekly Update #34, 23 May 2025

Appreciation for HeadStart Teaching Staff

To celebrate their remarkable efforts, we are organising an end of year Staff Appreciation Party on the evening of the 14th June. We would like to extend an invitation to all parents to contribute prizes for the staff party. These prizes can range from gift certificates, spa vouchers, hotel stays, or any other items you feel would show our teachers how valued they are. Your generosity will not only brighten their day but also reinforce the strong bond between our school and our parent community.

If you would like to contribute a prize, please kindly inform us of the item by the end of May. You can simply email our Events team by writing to [email protected] or come and visit us in the front admin office! We would be grateful for any contribution—big or small—as every gesture counts. Many thanks in advance for your kindness. We look forward to hearing from you! The Marketing & Communications Team

Announcement from our ECA Team

Please find important dates relating to our ECA programs here:

Friday 30 May: Last Day of HeadStart ECAs, VAPPS, AEN, EAL, HeadStart Fee Paid ECAs for this academic yearFriday 13 June: Last Day of Fee Paid ECAs and CAPA Junior for the 2024-2025 academic yearFriday 20 June: Last Day of Academies for the 2024-2025 academic year

If you need to check which type of ECA your child is enrolled in, please refer to our Term 2&3 ECA list: http://bit.ly/3SHr9Zj

Sharing a Love of Reading: Term 3 Book Fair

Next week, from Monday 26th to Wednesday 28th May, we will be hosting our friends at Book 53 for our latest Book Fair. We invite all parents to visit the Atrium from 7:30-16:00 each day to check out their great selection of books.

Dance Recital 2025 – “In The Dunes”

Join us for an unforgettable evening of movement, music, and artistry on Saturday, 7 June 2025 at our Chaofah City campus, as our talented dancers take the stage for this year’s highly anticipated recital.

🕓 Performance Time: 16:00–18:00

🚪 Doors Open: 15:30

📍 Location: Sports Hall, Chaofah City campus

Amid vast deserts and swirling sands, a distant world pulses with power, mystery, and transformation. This performance explores the timeless struggle between survival and control, nature and technology, destiny and rebellion. Through evocative choreography and sound, the dance brings to life the rhythm of the dunes, the force of unseen powers, and the rise of something ancient and inevitable. Come and experience a performance that is bold, powerful, and unforgettable.

To book your tickets, click here: Dance Recital 2025

Saturday Thai Culture Club – Term 3

Join us on Saturday 7th June at our Cherngtalay campus for a fun-filled cultural experience where students will explore Thai traditions through exciting, hands-on activities. This session is designed to deepen their understanding of Thai culture while engaging in interactive and enjoyable learning experiences.

• Location: HeadStart Cherngtalay Campus

• Time: 09:00 – 12:00

If you are interested, please contact your child’s Thai teacher to sign up. We look forward to an enriching cultural experience together!

Come Join Us! Final Community Beach Clean Event of the Year

When: Sunday 25th MayWhere: Bangtao Beach 9:00 am (meet in the car park in front of Movenpick Hotel)Why: Help clean and protect a vital beach frequented by our community. Earn House Points. Make a difference and great friends!

Foundation Stay & Play – Our World!

Don’t miss out on our final Foundation Stay & Play of the year where we will be celebrating our planet. Welcoming parents of all Foundation children to this event which will highlight the children’s independence and learning as they share their classroom experiences. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the school community to come together and commemorate this special occasion.

📅 Date: 27 May 2025

🕒 Time: 08:30-09:30

📍 Location: Foundation & Primary Indoor Learning Centre

UPrep Talk for Parents – Cracking the Ivy Code: A Real Talk on Elite University Admissions

How to Get In – And Why It’s Not Everything

The Ivy League carries undeniable prestige – but is it the only path to success? In this frank and informative session, we’ll explore what it really takes to get into the Ivies and other top-tier U.S. universities, including how students can prepare academically, emotionally, and strategically. One of our successful Year 13 students will also share his firsthand experience of applying to – and getting into – top U.S. universities.

We’ll also take a critical look at the hidden pressures, the myths around ‘dream schools,’ and why some families are wisely broadening their horizons. Whether your child is Ivy-bound or simply ambitious, this talk will help you focus on what truly matters: fit, fulfillment, and long-term success.

👥 For parents of students in Years 8 – 12

🗓️ Wednesday 28th May, 8:30 – 9:20 am

📍 Primary Hall, Chaofah City Campus

Year 6 to 7 Transition Parent Meeting

We invite all parents of our Year 6 students to join us for our latest parent meeting when we will discuss what to expect as your child makes the important transition from Primary to Secondary school. This is an excellent opportunity to find out how the expectations and routines of a Secondary student differ from Primary. Our Thai, Russian and Mandarin speaking admin teams will be on hand to provide translation services. We look forward to seeing you there! Thursday 29th May 2025 from 8:30-9:30am in the Secondary ILC.

Damir An – Enrolled at HeadStart Since Year 3

We are proud to congratulate Damir An on his outstanding academic success. Damir has received offers from the University of East Anglia, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Aberdeen, Kingston University, the University of Brighton, and City University of Hong Kong. He has chosen to accept his offer at City University of Hong Kong, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering. Damir’s commitment to his studies, perseverance, and passion for engineering have been evident throughout his time at school. We are excited to see him continue to develop his talents and achieve great success as he embarks on this exciting new journey.

Joanna Suzuki – Enrolled at HeadStart Since Year 5

We are delighted to celebrate Joanna’s academic achievements and her exciting next steps. After receiving offers from several prestigious institution – including Twente University, Maastricht University, King Mongkut’s University of Technology (KMUTT) and Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thammasat University – Joanna has accepted her offer to study at the University of Twente. She will be pursuing a Bachelor of Technical Computer Science, a programme that aligns perfectly with her interests, talents, and aspirations in the field of technology and innovation. Joanna has been a valued member of our school community since Year 5, and throughout the years, she has distinguished herself through both academic excellence and vibrant extracurricular involvement. As a Prefect, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership and responsibility. She has also inspired many through her TED Talk for Talking Heads, and made a meaningful impact by teaching children at an English camp. We are incredibly proud of Joanna and all that she has accomplished. We have no doubt that she will continue to thrive and achieve great things at the University of Twente and beyond. We wish you the very best!

Christina Fischer – Enrolled at HeadStart Since Year 7

Christina Fischer, a dedicated Year 13 student who has been a part of HeadStart since Year 10, has proudly accepted an offer to study at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Throughout her years at HeadStart, Christina has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the school community, taking on leadership roles as a Prefect and Student Council representative. She has also been an active participant in Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, showcasing her diplomatic skills and global awareness. Additionally, Christina has made a significant impact through her involvement in Sunny Side Up, an outreach initiative dedicated to teaching English to the wider community. Her unwavering dedication to leadership, service, and global engagement will undoubtedly propel her to great success as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in the United States.

Maolun Huang – Enrolled at HeadStart Since Year 7

It is with great pride that we congratulate Maolun Huang (Justin) on his outstanding academic achievements. Maolun has earned offers from the University of Twente, the University of Groningen, and Leiden University to study Technical Computer Science (BSc). He has chosen the University of Twente as his firm destination, where he will continue to develop his passion for technology and innovation. Beyond his academic success, Maolun has been a dedicated athlete as part of the school’s Swimming Academy, consistently demonstrating resilience, commitment, and a strong work ethic. We are confident that Maolun’s drive and determination will lead him to great success as he begins this exciting new chapter at one of the Netherlands’ leading institutions.

Lev (4 Blue Cherngtalay campus) – Enrolled at HeadStart this year

While he is new to HeadStart and new to Phuket, Lev has wasted no time getting to know his school, the island and of course his new friends and amazing teachers! An ever-poplar member of his Year 4 class, Lev brings energy and enthusiasm every day. Whether it’s investigating in science classes, playing with friends at break and lunchtimes or enjoying the amazing food in the canteen, Lev already feels right at home at HeadStart. So, why does Lev love HeadStart?

Silent Charades in Secondary House Games

On Friday 16th May, Secondary students took part in a very fun drama-themed House activity. Each House was given five scenarios and five minutes to prepare how they were going to act the scenarios out in the style of “silent charades”. All Houses performed their scenarios, and then each House had to guess what the other Houses were acting out. Every House flexed their acting muscles with style, with some of my favourites being the ballet dancers from the Red Phoenixes, the swimming with dolphins from the Blue Tigers, asking for an autograph by the Yellow Cheetahs and landing an airplane by the Green Dragons. When it came to guessing the correct answers, the Blue Tiger came out on top, correctly guessing 11 out of 15 of the scenarios. Well done House of the Tiger!

Fun Football Fixtures for Cherngtalay Academy Boys Teams

Yet another exciting morning of fixtures took place last Saturday at the Cherngtalay campus. The U9 boys kicked off the day with a futsal match against Srisoonthorn Academy. The boys played some excellent futsal and gave it their all in a fantastic encounter.

After the futsal match, the U11 team took centre stage in a football match, again lining up against players from Srisoonthorn Academy. The game was end-to-end, and the players were keen to showcase the efforts they had made during their training sessions leading up to the match.

Great job, everyone! And thank you to all the parents who, as ever, were there to support the teams Coach Paul – Football Coach

Thai Parent Guest Speakers – Thai Herb Candle Craft Fun in Year 1 & Year 6

A heartfelt thank you to Ms Nuengruethai Smith (Annabelle’s mum), Khun Sureerat Klabpaen (Pailin’s mum), and Khun Jarisa Ramongkol (Areeya’s mum) for giving our Year 1 and Year 6 Thai students such a special and memorable experience! Our wonderful guest mums showed the children how to make their own herbal scented candles — a traditional Thai craft that blends natural ingredients with creativity and also helps to keep mosquitoes away!

The students had so much fun learning about different herbs, pouring wax, and decorating their candles with care. It was a sensory-rich, hands-on activity that filled the classroom with delightful scents and joyful smiles. Thank you once again to our amazing Thai parents for sharing your time, kindness, and culture in such a meaningful way!

Mandarin-Speaking Parents Meeting on 22.05.25

On 22 May 2025, our school held the Term 3 Mandarin-Speaking Parents Meeting at our Cherngtalay campus, themed “Growing Together: Language, Culture and Community.” The event featured a panel discussion, which inspired meaningful and heartfelt conversations.

Three parent representatives and one student speaker shared personal experiences and reflections on adjusting to a new school environment, navigating language and cultural differences, and maintaining Chinese language and cultural traditions at home.

The meeting strengthened the partnership between home and school and reinforced our shared commitment to supporting students’ language and cultural development.

We sincerely thank all the parents who attended and contributed. The presentation slides are available below. The Languages Team

2025年5月22日，我校顺利举办了第三学期中文第一语言家长会。本次家长会以“携手共同成长：中文语言、文化和社区”为主题，采用座谈交流的形式展开，现场气氛热烈而富有深度。

三位家长代表与一位学生代表分享了他们在融入新学校环境、应对语言文化差异，以及在家庭中传承中文和中华文化方面的真实经验与独到见解。

此次活动不仅加深了家校之间的联系，也为学生语言与文化素养的提升搭建了良好平台，进一步推动了社区共育的理念。

我们衷心感谢每一位到场家长的积极参与与真诚分享！会议PPT可通过此处查看。语言团队

Mandarin speaking parents meeting T3 22 May 2025

Reception Students Get Ready for Year 1

Our Reception children have shown fantastic determination and progress in their early literacy journey this year. Through the Little Wandle Phonics scheme, they’ve been learning to read and write with growing confidence and skill. Each morning, we weave reading and writing into our play-based continuous provision, creating a rich and engaging environment where children can explore language in meaningful, hands-on ways. This balanced approach ensures that every child experiences the joy of learning while building strong foundations in phonics, reading, and writing. The Reception Teaching Team

The Rainbow Fish – A Mini CAPA Performance

“The Rainbow Fish” is a heartwarming story about a beautiful fish who learns the joy of sharing and the true meaning of friendship. Our young learners have been busy developing their acting and performance skills during their mini CAPA ECA sessions, and this final play is a wonderful opportunity for them to shine on stage and share their progress.

Performing arts play a powerful role in helping children grow in confidence and express themselves creatively—whether through their voice, body, or emotions. It enhances their vocabulary, pronunciation, and clarity of speech, while also teaching them the importance of listening, empathy, and collaboration. Most importantly, the pupils had an incredible time doing what they love—and it shows! Mrs Costello – Primary Art & Music Associate Teacher

Science ECA Gets Hands-on with the Human Body!

Last week, our Year 3 and 4 students had an exciting and educational experience during their Science ECA session as they explored the excretory system. The highlight of the session was a live pig kidney dissection led by Ms Monica, giving students a rare look inside this fascinating organ. With the help of Dr. Marsh and his trusty assistant Bob the Skeleton, students discovered where the kidneys are located in the body and learned about their vital role in removing waste. The students eagerly poked, prodded, and examined the internal anatomy of the kidney making science truly come to life! Ms Monica – Science Nerd

Developing Creative Skills in Secondary DT

Over the past two terms, our Key Stage 3 students have been busy developing a wide range of practical and creative skills in their Design & Technology lessons. Working from a design brief, pupils were challenged to create a free-standing clock that was functional, decorative and inspired by the abstract work of Wassily Kandinsky.

Throughout this project, students have gained hands-on experience with essential workshop tools and techniques, including sawing, drilling, filing, sanding, and chiselling. I am proud of the students and their hard work, dedication and effort in this project. Mrs Leow – KS3 Art and DT Teacher

Secondary Science Fair

One more huge congratulations to all our young scientists for their creativity and hard work at this year’s Headstart Cherngtalay Science Fair 2025! Here’s a summary of our award winners:

🏅 Best in Class 7B: How far will a Bottle Rocket fly? – Sophie & Uliana

🏅 Best in Class 7Y: How different liquids affect plant growth – Alina, Eva, Mariusa & Mary

🏅 Best in Year 8: Black Water Purifying and Filtering – Jenny, Kiara & Noumea

🎤 Best Communication: Bacterial growth on common surfaces – Igor, Leo & Max

📊 Best Use of Math & Data: How far will a Bottle Rocket fly? – Uliana & Sophie

🏆 Popular Vote – Best Overall: Black Water Purifying and Filtering – Jenny, Kiara & Noumea

Congratulations to all participants for a fantastic showcase of scientific thinking and teamwork! Mr Gossland – KS3 Science Teacher

Phuket Family Touch Rugby Tournament

🗓️ Saturday June 14th 2025

🕓 Starts 8:15 am

📍 The Alan Cooke Ground (ACG), Phuket

Teams of 8 with 6 players on the pitch and 2 rolling subs. Players must be 10 years and older. Cost is THB250 per person and includes:

• BBQ

• 2 x drinks

• Medals

• Slip n slide

• Bouncy castle

Vagabonds Rugby Academy

The Vagabonds Rugby Academy runs children’s rugby training on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 10:30 am. Open to kids from 4 to 10 years old depending on ability; this is for children new to the game. Also running rugby camps in the school holidays.

Family Fun at the Farm: A Local Roots By TRI VANANDA event on 31 May 2025

TRI VANANDA welcomes HeadStart families to their upcoming “Family Fun at The Farm” event on 31 May 2025 – A Journey Through Wellness and Wonder. This special edition of Local Roots is reimagined as a Living Classroom—a day of discovery where wellness meets wonder through nature-based activities and shared experiences.