Weekly Update #22, 13 February 2026

Wishing Everyone a Restful Mid-term Break

Please be reminded that next week is our mid-term break. School will re-open for all students on Monday 23rd February.

Our Admin office will be open from Monday 16th to Thursday 19th February to deal with any inquiries. Half-term Sports Camps will take place from Monday to Wednesday and Mini-camps from Monday to Thursday at our Chaofah City Campus.

Parent Committee Term 2 Meeting

At HeadStart, we believe a strong partnership with our parent community is the foundation of our students’ success. Your perspective and feedback are vital as we work together to create a learning environment where every student can thrive.

In this spirit of collaboration, the HeadStart Chaofah City Parent Committee will hold its Term 2 meeting with the school’s Management team on Thursday, 5th March.

This meeting is your forum to be heard. To ensure your points can be included in the agenda, we invite you to email any questions or topics to the Parent Committee by the end of the day on Wednesday, 25th February.

Please send your submissions directly to: [email protected].

The Parent Committee looks forward to representing you and continuing our work together for the betterment of our students and community.

International Day 2026

The Countdown is on: 3 weeks until the HeadStart Chaofah International Day celebrations on Friday 6th March! The most vibrant and culturally enriching experience of the school year, featuring a colourful array of cultural performances, international cuisine, interactive exhibits, and a warm atmosphere of unity. A unique event that showcases the diversity that makes our school community so special.

We are pleased to confirm the following 9 communities being represented at our International Day event: Thailand, France, Italy, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, Spain & Latin America, China, and the Philippines. If you are a member of one of these communities and would like to get involved, please join your community social media group by scanning the relevant QR code below or on our International Day display board in the Atrium (main entrance).

We are still looking for more countries to join our event and encourage families to collaborate with one another to run booths representing their shared country or region. This may include preparing performances and organising booths that serve food, as well as displays during the half term break. If you and your community would like to book a tent or arrange a performance, please contact Khun Boss, our Events Coordinator, for more details: [email protected]

HeadStart Yearbook Sponsorship Opportunities

Dear HeadStart Community,

The 2025 - 2026 HeadStart Yearbook is now in production and will be distributed in the last week of the school year. This full colour A4 publication captures class photos, homeroom messages, school events, competitions, and student achievements. Over 1,000 copies will be printed and shared with HeadStart families in Phuket.

We are inviting community members to promote their businesses in the Yearbook:

• Half page 7,000 THB: Size 8 x 5.5 inches

• Full page 12,000 THB: Size 8 x 11 inches

• Inside front or back cover 18,000 THB. Limited to 3 positions: Size 8 x 11 inches

If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Call for Parent Volunteers: Find Your Feet Careers Fair at Chaofah City campus

We invite members of our parent community to take part in our Find Your Feet Careers Fair for Year 11 and 12 students, taking place on Monday 2nd March, from 8:00am to 10:30am, at our Chaofah City Campus. This event gives students the opportunity to explore career pathways and speak directly with professionals from a wide range of industries. Parents who are willing to share insights into their career or business are warmly encouraged to volunteer. No formal presentation is required - just informal conversations with students.

If you would like to take part, please register using the link here.

We would also appreciate it if you could share this opportunity with other parents or contacts on the island who may be interested. Thank you for supporting our students as they explore future pathways.

The Ocean is Calling! Moana Update

The ocean is calling, and our CAPA Junior cast is answering! We are thrilled to share that rehearsals for our upcoming production of Disney’s Moana Jr. are in full swing and looking—and sounding—spectacular.

Our CAPA Junior team and performers have been working tirelessly to bring the spirit of Motunui to life, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Believe it or not, we have only six weeks to go until the shows on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th March at 5pm on the Chaofah City Campus. The stunning sets and props are being built, the costumes are being created, and acting, dancing and singing rehearsals are well underway for what promises to be an unforgettable voyage.

Tickets will officially go on sale after the half-term break and we’ll provide more information via email to CAPA and Year 4 families and in the Weekly Update on Friday 6th March for the rest of the school community. We can’t wait to share this story of courage and discovery with our community. Clear your calendars—it’s going to be a journey to remember! The CAPA Junior Team

Spark a New Passion this Half-Term!

Challenge young minds and bodies this February. Unlock new hobbies and skills with our special interest camps.

At our Chaofah City campus:

Register via QR or this link

• Tech Skills Camp: Learn programming basics through hands-on projects and games.
• Chess Camp: Master strategy, tactics, and critical thinking.
• Hobby Crafts Camp: DIY creativity with pottery, textiles, and modeling.
• Tennis Camp: Refine serves, footwork, and match strategy.

At our Cherngtalay campus:

Register via QR or this link

• KGA Gymnastics Camp: Build strength and coordination with expert coaches.More info: [email protected]

Calling All Academy Athletes - 24 Hours to Make a Difference @ Chaofah City Campus

It’s that time again when we rally all of our Academy Athletes, Coaches, and Parents together in order to raise much-needed funds for our chosen charity in the ‘24 Hours to make a Difference’ event. Following this week’s launch assemblies, we are delighted to share information about our chosen charitable foundation for this year - Life Home Project Foundation. Find out all about the invaluable work they do and how the funds raised by our Academy athletes will help support this foundation based in the Koh Sirey area of Phuket. We look forward to working with our sporting academies and wider community to raise funds and awareness for this important foundation.

How to Support Your Child in Applying to Top Universities Parent Workshop

Last week, the Thai Management Team organised a workshop for parents entitled “How to Support Your Child in Applying to Top Universities.” Led by Kru Nee and Kru Toom, the session provided key insights into the curriculum and subject options for Years 10–13, including the IGCSE, BTEC and A Level programmes. Parents were guided on selecting subjects that align with their children’s long-term academic and career goals.

We were honoured to welcome Dr Parimon Phaisamran, HeadStart School Licensee, who shared first-hand experiences supporting her three children through the overseas university application process. Her children received offers from Ivy League universities and leading universities in the United Kingdom, including the University of Bath and the University of Cambridge.

We hope you found the workshop informative and look forward to our next Parents Sharing with Parents session in Term 2.

UPrep talk 11 - Alternative Pathways and Gap Years

Thank you to the many parents who attended our 11th UPrep session, “Alternative Pathways and Gap Years,” where we explored the diverse routes students can take toward their future success. We discussed how modern universities increasingly value maturity and real-world experience, often favoring applicants who have taken the time to develop their independence and motivation through structured gap years or foundation programs. The session highlighted how these non-linear paths can alleviate academic burnout and provide students with a clearer sense of purpose before committing to a degree.

UPrep Talk Alternative Pathways and Gap Years 2026

Primary Maths Workshop: Building Confidence and Skills

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Primary Maths Workshop. It was a valuable opportunity to outline how we teach mathematics at HeadStart using the White Rose Maths scheme, focusing on the Concrete, Pictorial, and Abstract (CPA) approach. We covered the structure of our lessons, from ‘Flashback 4’ retrieval practice to independent tasks, and discussed the importance of developing key skills in fluency, reasoning, and problem solving. Finally, we explored our calculation policy and shared practical resources for supporting your child at home, such as Numbots and Times Tables Rockstars.

Primary Maths Workshop 2025 2026

Year 11 Parent Meeting: Introduction to Sixth Form

We would like to invite parents of our current Year 11 students to an introductory meeting regarding the transition to Sixth Form on Tuesday 24th February. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of our curriculum, including details on A-Level and BTEC pathways, to help families understand the high academic standards and learning outcomes expected at this level. Our team will be available to explain how we support students in achieving their full potential as they move into these critical final years of secondary education.

UPrep Drop In Session on Wednesday 25th February

This is your opportunity to seek informal support and get direct answers to any questions regarding the university preparation process. Whether you need guidance on specific regional requirements or general advice on supporting your child’s transition to higher education, our team will be on hand for one-on-one conversations. We invite you to stop by, share your concerns, and gain the clarity needed to navigate the road ahead with confidence.

Lunar New Year Friday Market

Our Lunar New Year themed Friday Market was a fantastic celebration of community spirit, bringing students, parents, and staff together in a vibrant, festive atmosphere. The atrium was buzzing with energy as everyone enjoyed a wonderful variety of treats and unique “nik naks” for sale. It was another great event that offered a perfect opportunity to socialise and connect while supporting our local vendors. Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a fun and successful afternoon!

Mandarin Language Day Term 2

Last Saturday, our Cherngtalay campus was filled with laughter and a wonderful sense of “Nian Wei” as we celebrated Mandarin Language Day. It wasn’t just a school event, but a joyful gathering that brought the traditions of the Lunar New Year to life for our entire community.

The heart of the celebration was seeing parents and students huddled together at our three craft stations. There was a real sense of collaboration as families tucked into the challenge of weaving intricate Chinese knots, carefully assembled Year of the Horse palace lanterns, and explored their creative side with gold-traced paintings of New Year blessings. Whether it was the “aha!” moment of figuring out a complex knot or the pride in finishing a beautiful lantern, the focus was all on the fun of making things together. Between the crafts, everyone had a great time testing their wits with Spring Festival riddles and practicing festive greetings.

We want to say a huge thank you to all the parents and students for your incredible support and energy. Wishing everyone a fantastic Year of the Horse (马年大吉)—may it bring you and your family great health, peace, and happiness!

📸 A full gallery of pictures can be downloaded here: Mandarin Language Day Term 2 2025-26

上周六，HeadStart Cherngtalay校园里洋溢着欢声笑语，处处弥漫着浓浓的“年味”。这不仅是一次中国语言日的庆祝活动，更是一场温馨的社区聚会，让大家在互动中感受农历新年的独特魅力。

活动的亮点在于家长和学生们全身心投入到了三项充满挑战又极具创意的手工艺制作中。大家并肩而坐，在指尖翻转间编织出象征吉祥的中国结，全家人齐心协力组装精美的马年宫灯，并在描金画前专注地勾勒马年送福的愿景。这种协作的过程远比成品更动人——当大家克服复杂的编织技巧或是完成最后一笔描金时，现场充满了那种“恍然大悟”的成就感。除了手作，大家还兴致勃勃地挑战了春节趣味猜谜，并互相用中文交换新春祝福，整个空间都被活跃的学习热情和节日的喜悦所包围。

我们衷心感谢每一位家长和学生的积极参与和支持，是你们的投入让文化传承变得如此生动有趣。祝大家在即将到来的马年里：马年大吉，身体健康，平安喜乐！

Student Talent Takes Centre Stage at Live Lounge

The Atrium this week was filled with supporters as several student groups from both Primary and Secondary took to the stage to deliver a series of high-quality musical sets. These performances were a testament to the hard work and dedication our students have invested in their craft, showcasing a high level of professionalism and technical skill. Events like the Live Lounge are essential for fostering a vibrant performing arts culture at HeadStart, and it was a pleasure to see the community come together to celebrate these creative achievements. We look forward to seeing more talent on display at future sessions.

Sports Day 2026: A Week of Thrills and Triumphs!

This year’s Sports Days were an action-packed celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and house spirit. The events kicked off with our youngest Foundation children and finished with our Secondary students seeing out the half-term in style!

Foundation Sports Day

What a wonderful Foundation Sports Day! The morning was filled with energy, excitement and smiling faces. Focusing on participation, teamwork and enjoyment, our youngest learners took part with confidence and enthusiasm! It was fantastic to see our Foundation children demonstrating resilience and sportsmanship; they cheered on friends, embracing each activity with positivity. Thank you to Ms Norman and Mr Walker for organising such a well-structured and engaging event. Thanks also to our Year 6 House Captains who showed leadership supporting our youngest learners. Finally, sincere thanks to our dedicated teaching team and parents—your support helped make the atmosphere special! A fantastic celebration of teamwork, community and joyful competition!

📸 Please find a full album of photos here: Foundation Sports Day 2026

Years 1 & 2 Sports Day

On Tuesday 10th February, our Year 1 and 2 students had their annual Sports Day and what fun they had! Students sprinted as fast as they could individually and in a team. They threw, bounced, balanced and cheered showing great sportsmanship in a carousel of events. It was a fun-filled afternoon and House points were extremely close throughout.
Congratulations to the the Green Dragons for finishing in first place! Well done to everyone who took part, you should be proud. And many thanks to all the parents who came along to support this wonderful community event!

📸 Please find a full album of photos here: Year 1 & 2 Sports Day 2026

Years 3-6 Sports Day

Our Year 3 to Year 6 Sports Day was full of excitement with some excellent displays of running, jumping and throwing. All the year groups demonstrated a range of running styles in the distance run in which students had to run as many laps as possible in the allotted time, and then showed their fast feet in the sprint races. With wacky egg & spoon and Spacehopper races, long jump and shot put, as well as the traditional ‘Tug of War’ to end our Sports Day, there was something for everyone to enjoy! Well done to the Green Dragons for your victory - there is always next year for the Yellow Cheetahs, Red Phoenixes and Blue Tigers!

Congratulations to everyone who took part and well done!

📸 Please find a full album of photos here: Year 3 to Year 6 Sports Day 2025

Secondary Sports Day

The week concluded with the Secondary Sports Day, where the competition was fierce. With only single digits separating the top two houses, it was a thrilling battle until the final event. In the end, the Blue Tigers showed their dominance once again, securing the title for the third consecutive year!

📸 Please find a full album of photos here: Secondary Sports Day 2025

Imagination and Engineering Combined in Lego Club ECA

Imagination takes a tangible form in our Lego Club ECA, where students transform colorful bricks into complex engineering marvels. Each week brings a new challenge that encourages our builders to think in three dimensions and solve problems with creativity and persistence. It is a joy to see their ideas come to life as they develop foundational spatial and logic skills that will serve them long into the future.

Year 3 Geography: River Models and Teamwork

Year 3 students recently applied their geography knowledge by working in groups to construct detailed 3D river models. Demonstrating a strong understanding of the curriculum, they identified and labelled key features such as the source, meander, oxbow lake, and mouth. The project required significant problem-solving skills as students engineered slopes for their rivers and created realistic landscape elements. They also established cross-curricular links to their class book by incorporating the character Isaac and his boat into their designs, showcasing both creativity and effective teamwork. The Year 3 Team

Bringing Digestion to Life in Year 10 Biology

Year 10 Biology students recently explored the process of digestion in a fun, memorable, and highly practical lesson led by Ms Uhure. Rather than simply reading about digestion, students modelled the journey of food through the digestive system using real-life materials, bringing an abstract biological process to life in the classroom.

Digestion can be difficult to visualise because so much of it happens inside the body, unseen. By using a physical model, students were able to clearly understand how digestion involves both mechanical breakdown and chemical digestion, and how different organs work together to support absorption.

This lesson also highlighted the importance of models in science. Scientists use models to explore and explain complex ideas, from cells and organ systems to atoms and ecosystems, and students benefit in exactly the same way. Practical lessons like this help students develop deeper understanding, strengthen scientific vocabulary, and build confidence in applying what they learn.

HeadStart Students Shine

We are delighted to congratulate our students on their significant achievements in recent music and sports competitions, representing HeadStart with pride on both local and international stages!

• Simon (4 Blue) finished in 10th place and received a trophy (Male U13 age category) in the 4km run at the 18th Running at Vichit competition.

OTO Play Park & Restaurant – Now Open at Central Floresta!

Phuket’s most premium indoor play park is ready for fun! Kids can enjoy unique immersive play experiences, trampolines, slides, a climbing wall, and modern pretend-play zones — all in a safe, beautifully designed space: OTO Play Park

Parents can relax and dine in comfort (your entry fee is fully redeemable as food credit!), or hire one of our nannies for supervised drop-off while you shop.

Birthday Perk for HeadStart Students

Celebrate your birthday with us and choose ONE FREE gift:

• Piñata
• Fun workshop or party game
• 1-Month Membership Card

For the first time in Thailand – world-class evenings of classical art @ Phuket Lotus Arena

Russian Seasons: Tribute to Rachmaninoff

An international project of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation —“Russian Seasons. Tribute to Rachmaninoff”.

On stage: Laureate of the XV International Tchaikovsky Competition, pianist Dmitry Masleev, and the Altai State Youth Song and Dance Ensemble named after A. F. Berezikov.

Programme: piano works by Sergei Rachmaninoff, as well as the ballet “Rachmaninoff” set to the music of the Second Piano Concerto. Choreography by Alexey Rastorguev. Artistic Director of the project — Vladimir Vasiliev, People’s Artist of the USSR and the Russian Federation.

Three parts — Hope, Love, Faith — a profound stage story about destiny, choice and the meaning of life.

A rare event for lovers of music, ballet and great art. Seats are limited.

🎫 Tickets via the link in the profile bio
📍 Venue: Lotus Arena
📅 Sunday 1st March
👐 Doors open: 18:00
🕖 Show time: 19:00
📞 Manager’s phone: +66 62 662 0000

Russian Seasons: Dance Theatre of the State Philharmonic of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic

On Wednesday 4 March, a legendary dance company from the North Caucasus will perform in Phuket for the first time. Almost 20 years on stage!

The Dance Theatre of the State Philharmonic of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. An international project of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation — “Russian Seasons”.

Traditions presented in a modern interpretation and an impeccable level of mastery.

The uniqueness of the theatre lies in its stylised choreographic compositions and live musical accompaniment, which enhances the national colour and highlights the distinctive character of the peoples of the Caucasus.

Virtuoso technique, deep emotional expression and a subtle understanding of the language of dance.
The theatre is a laureate and winner of prestigious international festivals and competitions, including the Grand Prix of the 2nd International Festival-Competition named after Mahmoud Esambayev, the “9th Wave” music award, and the honorary title “Pride of the Republic”.

The new programme offers audiences a bright and original performance composed of the best examples of dance art, reflecting the culture of the peoples of Karachay-Cherkessia and the entire North Caucasus.

🎫 Tickets via the link in the profile bio
📍 Venue: Lotus Arena
📅 Wednesday 4th March
👐 Doors open: 19:00
🕖 Show time: 20:00
📞 Manager’s phone: +66 62 662 0000