Weekly Update #31, 08 May 2026

Withdrawal Notice for End of Academic Year

As we begin the final 8 weeks of Term 3, we kindly remind families planning to withdraw their child at the end of this academic year to please complete the Student Withdrawal Form and submit a printed copy to our admin team, or email it to [email protected] by Wednesday 20 May. This will allow us to process Endowment Fee refunds and offer places to students on our waiting lists. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to a great final term together.

Don’t Be Late for a Very Important Date

Step through the looking glass and witness spectacular student talent as Alice the Musical comes to life! With rehearsals now in full swing, our CAPA performers, Choir and Dance Company are demonstrating immense commitment by combining rigorous practice, creative set design and seamless teamwork to build a truly magical Wonderland on stage. To see this hard work pay off, secure your tickets today for an unforgettable evening down the rabbit hole!

• Date: Wednesday 13 May

• Time: 18:00

• Price: THB 300

• Campus: Sports Hall, Cherngtalay Campus

• Booking Form: Alice in Wonderland: The Musical

Art Exhibition: Celebrating Creative Mastery

The Atrium will be transformed into a vibrant gallery from Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 Mayas we showcase the exceptional creative work of our students. Curated from the curriculum projects of Year 1 through to Year 9, this exhibition highlights the technical skill, imagination, and dedication nurtured by our specialist teachers. We warmly invite you to join in celebrating the outstanding work of our students next week.The Art Deparment

Little Steps Big Discoveries: Toddler Playgroup is Back!

Watch early curiosity develop at the next session of our Toddler Playgroup at our Cherngtalay Campus. Following a successful first week, our next session takes place on Wednesday 13 May from 9:00am to 10:00am.

Designed for children aged 1 to 4 years old, these mornings provide a practical introduction to our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) philosophy. Children engage in a variety of purposeful play stations, including messy play, sensory exploration, and creative building, facilitated by our Foundation staff. Our teachers will be on hand to offer guidance to parents, creating an environment to connect, build a supportive community network, and observe our play-based approach in action.

Book your spot today via the registration form: Toddler Playgroup Registration Form

Thai Culture Club Term 3

Join us on Saturday 23rd May 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 CampusTime: 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!

Digital Well Being and Online Safety at the Russian Speaking Parents Meeting

Navigating the complexities of our children’s online lives requires both practical tools and open communication. Thank you to the Russian-speaking parents who joined us to explore these strategies during our ‘Digital Compass’ workshop on 5 May. Together, we examined the unique dual-digital world our students navigate, which balances global platforms like YouTube and Roblox with regional networks such as VK and Telegram.

During the session, parents acquired actionable strategies grounded in the ‘4 Cs’ of online safety: Content, Contact, Conduct, and Commerce. By reviewing technical safety nets like Google Family Link and Bark, discussing the impact of screen time on sleep and mental health, and learning how to structure a Family Tech Agreement, families left equipped to set healthy limits, manage online risks, and guide their children towards positive digital habits.

Russian version Digital Well being Parent Workshop 2026

Reception to Year 1 Transition and Language Options Parent Meeting

Moving into Year 1 introduces children to new environments, a structured primary curriculum, and the expectations of a typical school day. To support this crucial step, our Primary team invites Reception parents to an upcoming presentation outlining the transition process. We invite all parents of Reception children to join this meeting on Thursday 14 May from 08:30 in the Foundation ILC.

We will discuss the fundamental importance of emotional security as children adapt to new routines, alongside key changes in the Year 1 curriculum, including phonics, mathematics, and primary language options. Parents will gain a clear understanding of academic expectations and receive practical strategies to support their child’s growing independence at home. Please refer to the attached poster for full meeting details.

Celebrating Our Sixth Form University Offers

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding university offers secured by two of our dedicated Sixth Form students, who are taking exciting steps toward their futures in Law and Global Hospitality Management!

India Smuthkochorn - Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 4

Since joining the HeadStart community in Year 4, India has proven to be a highly principled and inquisitive student. We are thrilled to announce her fantastic range of offers to study Law at 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗵𝗮𝗺 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, the 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘅, the 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗹, the 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸, and 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗼𝗿𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, as well as an offer for History at 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 in the US.

Beyond her excellent academic work, India has made an outstanding contribution to the school community as Eco Prefect, Service Prefect, and through INTERACT. A committed musician with ABRSM Grade 8 Piano, she frequently performs in school productions. Her independent EPQ research into Studio Ghibli films, combined with her commitment to Model United Nations, volunteering with the Sunny Side Up charity initiative, and practical work experience at Bangkok Global Law and a publishing firm, has provided a strong foundation for a career in corporate law. Congratulations, India!

Samuel Pineda Keiser - Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 11

We are equally delighted to celebrate Sam, who has secured an offer to study Business Administration in Global Hospitality Management at 𝗔𝗜𝗛𝗠 in Bangkok. A dedicated student since Year 11, Sam has consistently demonstrated a collaborative and open-minded spirit.

His academic drive is highlighted by his advanced progress in Kumon mathematics and is matched by his active engagement beyond the classroom. Through his role on the Student Council, participation in Model United Nations, Sunny Side Up, attending a French language camp, and gaining practical customer service insight through work experience in villa management, he has developed the interpersonal skills needed for the hospitality sector. We wish Sam the absolute best as he prepares for this exciting next step!

Alex Clarke - Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 4

We are delighted to celebrate Alex, who has accepted an unconditional offer to study a BSc in International Culinary Arts at 𝗛𝗧𝗠𝗶 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝘇𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱. A dedicated student since Year 4, Alex has consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity, teamwork and a long-standing passion for hospitality.

His drive is highlighted by his progress to the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and his support of the school’s Ready Steady Cook programme. By gaining customer service experience in a Thai restaurant and completing comprehensive work experience across multiple departments at Pullman Phuket Panwa, he has developed the essential skills needed for his future career. With his valuable contributions as a House Captain and Student Counsellor Representative, Alex is well prepared for his aspiration to open his own restaurant. We wish him the absolute best!

Yejin Lee - Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 2

Since joining the HeadStart community in Year 2, Yejin has proven to be a resilient, dedicated and compassionate student. We are thrilled to announce her fantastic range of offers to study Nursing at 𝗨𝗪𝗘 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗹, the 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘆, 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, and the 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵. She will also apply to universities in Korea to pursue her clear ambitions in paediatric nursing.

Beyond her academic work, Yejin is a highly accomplished swimmer who has represented Thailand at the national level, holds nine school records, and has been recognised as Most Valuable Swimmer. Her commitment to the Sunny Side Up programme, teaching English to younger students, and coaching swimming on a weekly basis, alongside her roles as a Student Council member and House Captain, have provided a strong foundation for her future. Congratulations, Yejin!

Toy Scalping and Digital Scams

The growing trend of online scalping exposes young consumers to artificial scarcity, inflated prices, and sophisticated digital scams. Driven by automated bots buying up high-demand items like gaming consoles, limited-edition trainers, and exclusive merchandise, scalping creates intense financial pressure and exploits student fandoms. When rushing to secure rare items, young people may inadvertently access unverified websites designed to harvest personal data, leaving them vulnerable to fraud, malware, and counterfeit goods.

Equipping students to navigate these high-pressure online marketplaces requires ongoing dialogue about digital literacy and consumer ethics. We encourage parents to use discussions around scalping as an opportunity to talk about online fairness and the reality behind opportunistic profiteering. By teaching patience over impulse buying, setting clear spending boundaries on digital wallets, and guiding children to verify seller credentials, families can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to scams.

We understand that managing these fast-moving online trends can be challenging. To provide further support, we have attached a comprehensive guide from National Online Safety detailing what parents need to know about toy scalping, fakes, and scams. If you have any immediate concerns regarding your child’s digital wellbeing or online purchasing habits, please reach out to Ms. Turner-King [email protected] at any time. We are always here to support you and your family.

Go Panthers!

Testing their skills against teams from across the region, eight HeadStart teams made their way to the capital to represent the Panther Football Academy at the Bangkok Patana International 7s. This marked our largest tournament appearance to date, with players from both our Chaofah City and Cherngtalay campuses navigating the sweltering heat and a demanding match schedule to secure impressive results across multiple divisions.

The tournament yielded strong results across the board. The U13 Boys secured victory as the Winners of the Plate, matching the success of the U11 Boys who were crowned Winners of the Shield. The U13 Girls also achieved a strong 3rd place finish in the highly competitive Cup division. Adding to the academy’s collective achievements, the U13 Boys from our Cherngtalay Campus advanced to the Bowl Semi-Finals, alongside the U15 Boys who reached the Shield Semi-Finals. Furthermore, the U15 Girls, U11 Girls, and U9 Boys demonstrated steady teamwork to secure 4th place finishes in their respective Plate and Shield divisions.

A big thank you to all the parents who travelled to support the squads. We look forward to hearing your cheers at the next competition! Coach Frost - Head Football Coach

📸 An album of photos from the tournament can be found here: Bangkok Patana 7s 2026

Panthers Pounce and Persevere

Athletic excellence is built on a foundation of resilience and sportsmanship. These qualities were in abundance as our Panthers Basketball teams competed at this week’s PISAC Championships. The U13 Girls and U15 Boys led the charge with gutsy performances. Through exceptional teamwork and skill, the U13 Girls reached the final, delivering their most accomplished performance to be crowned U13 PISAC Champions—a historic first for the HeadStart Panthers! Meanwhile, the U15 Boys mirrored that grit and determination, falling just one point short of a podium finish.

The U11 Co-ed and U13 Boys squads demonstrated composure and spirit against tough competition. After well-executed pool matches, the U11s remained collaborative through high-intensity pressure. Similarly, the U13s secured a well—deserved victory in their 3rd place playoff. We are proud to recognise the commitment and fantastic energy shown to bring home these results! Thank you to the parents who came to support, and congratulations to all of our young Panthers! Coach King - Head Basketball Coach

AquaPanthers Compete at PISAC Championships

Wishing all our HeadStart Aqua Panthers Academy swimmers taking part in this weekend’s PISAC Swimming Championships the very best of luck! Preliminary rounds take place this afternoon (Friday 8th May) before our squad heads over to BISP for the medal races on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May from 08:00-16:00. Inviting parents and friends to come along and show your support to our swimmers! Go Aqua Panthers!

Curioser and Curioser Alice: The Musical Costumes and Dance Ensemble

Wonderland is officially ready for the stage. Our cast members are stepping into Wonderland, showcasing both creativity and courage as they bring these classic roles to life. After weeks of dedicated rehearsal effort, getting into their spectacular costumes has been the final puzzle piece for our young performers. Meanwhile, our Year 6 students have been hard at work learning the dance moves of their ensemble roles! Browse the sneak-peek gallery to see our cast’s visual transformations and dancers powerful movements, and ensure you have secured your tickets for Wednesday 13 May to witness the magic on stage!

Exploring Regional Cuisine in Thai First Language

Year 6 students put their culinary and collaborative skills to the test as they explored the vibrant flavour profiles of traditional Thai cuisine. As part of their Thai First Language studies, they learned how to make Thai Mango Salad with Crispy Fish, a dish popular in the central and southern regions of Thailand known for its balance of sour, salty, sweet and spicy flavours using a traditional “Yum” dressing.

Gaining hands-on experience, students mixed the sauce themselves, worked well together to combine the ingredients and tasted their final creations to understand the complex flavour profiles. A big thank you to Khun Paweena for guiding the class through this practical activity!

Cheetahs Sprint and Hop to Victory

A combined running and hopscotch challenge brought excellent energy to the Sports Hall, culminating in an overall win for the Yellow Cheetahs! With the Year 6 captains away on their residential trip, several Year 5 students stepped up to help lead the event. They did a fantastic job, working collaboratively to ensure everything ran smoothly. After some close competition, Red Phoenix House earned a solid second place, the Green Dragons took third, and the Blue Tigers finished in fourth. It was an energetic competition that demonstrated just how well our junior leaders handle responsibility!

Preschool Make a Splash on Aquaria Adventure!

The Preschool trip to Aquaria was truly fin-tastic! Making a splash before they even arrived, the children filled the bus journey with songs and chatter about their favourite marine animals. From shimmering fish and jellyfish to turtles, penguins, sharks, and the mesmerising mermaid show, the children had a whale of a time pointing out their favourite sea creatures. We were so proud of how wonderfully the children behaved throughout the day. The class returned to school as tired but very happy little explorers! The Preschool Team

Year 6 Residential: Adventure, Creativity & Community at Angsana Hotel

Our Year 6 students brought their best selves to this year’s residential trip at the beautiful Angsana Hotel, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. From weaving intricate banana leaf fish and twisting balloon animals to navigating kayaks and SUP boards across open water, every activity asked students to step outside their comfort zone and back each other up. On the water, encouraging shouts from the shore turned nervous paddlers into confident explorers. In the pool, water polo and the classic challenge of sprinting across floating mats became lessons in strategy, laughter and working as one. The highlight of the evening? A Trash-ion Show that transformed recycled materials into runway-worthy creations, a masterclass in creativity and courage, before students let loose on the dance floor. This trip wasn’t just about adventure; it was about discovering what you’re capable of when you’re surrounded by your team.

You can download a full gallery from the trip here: Year 6 Residential 2026

HeadStart Students Shine

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

• Jasmine (5 White) won the Category III Gold Prize and the Category Sonata Silver Prize at the International Competition for Pianists.

• Andrei (1 Yellow)andAlice (4 Blue) participated and gave a great effort in the Marathon at the Thanyapura Color Run 2026.

• At the Singapore International Judo Open, Lea (2 Yellow)won two Silver medals (9-year-old category and team event);Lev (2 Blue)won Bronze (individual under-9) and Silver (team);Daniil (3 White)earned the Best Fighter Trophy, an individual Gold (under-9), an individual Silver (under-12), and two team Silver medals;Sagit (7 Blue)secured a Bronze (individual) and a Silver (team); andDmitrii (8 Blue) took home two Silver medals (individual and team).

• Gosha (5 White) emerged as the Padel tournament winner at Optimize Fitness and Destination Padel Club Phuket.

• At the HeadStart Chess Tournament, Raphael (2 Blue)achieved 1st Place in the U-8 Division, andEliana (4 Yellow) achieved 2nd Place in the Female Division.

• Daniel (4 Yellow) won an impressive 3 Gold Medals in Football at WAXTAP.

• Sofiia (2 Yellow) put on a fantastic performance participating in Gymnastics at the JRC Gymnastics Stars Championship 2026.

External Educational Opportunities with Edgoing

Edgoing is offering a series of international educational programmes for students aged 7 to 17, taking place in Singapore and Shanghai later this year. These programmes focus on STEM, financial technology, and Mandarin language immersion, providing structured learning experiences during the school holidays. Please note that these programmes are organised independently by Edgoing and are not affiliated with or supervised by HeadStart.

The upcoming programmes include:

• Singapore STEM Innovation Camp (13-18 July 2026): A 6-day trip for ages 7-12 focusing on AI, science experiments, and campus visits to NUS and NTU.

• NTU Global FinTech Scholars Program (19-24 July 2026): A 6-day course in Singapore for ages 13-17 covering blockchain, cryptocurrency, and financial innovation. Registration closes on 31 May 2026.

• Mandarin & Culture Immersion in Shanghai (11-24 October 2026): A 14-day trip for ages 13-17 hosted at Shanghai Adcote School, featuring language study and cultural excursions.

For more details, pricing, or to register, please review the attached flyers, contact the programme coordinator KK at [email protected], or visit www.edgoing.com.