Weekly Update #23, 14 February 2025

Announcements

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 24th February.

Our Admin office will be open from Monday 17th to Thursday 20th February to deal with any inquiries. The half-term Football and Basketball Camps will also take place at our Chaofah City Campus from Monday to Wednesday.

Upcoming Events

24 Hours to Make a Difference at Chaofah City campus

It’s that time again when we rally all of our Academy Players, Coaches, and Parents together in order to raise much-needed funds for our chosen charities in the ‘24 Hours to make a Difference’ event. All academy students are expected to take part in this event, which will take place from 20.00 on Friday, 28th February to 20.00 on Saturday, 1st March 2025 at our Chaofah City campus.

• Swim Academy Students: 20:00 on Friday 28th February – 08:00 on Saturday 1st March (Aqua Cubs to join from 20:00 – 22:00)

• Football Academy Students: 08:00 – 20:00 on Saturday 1st March

• Basketball Academy Students: 14:00 – 20:00 on Saturday 1st March

• Parent and Staff Team Football and Basketball Matches: 16:30 – 20:00 on Saturday 1st March

Community Celebration & BBQ

To celebrate the achievements of our Academy students in their efforts to raise funds this year, there will be a community BBQ event from 18:00 – 20:00 with free food for players, parents and coaches and refreshments for sale courtesy of our BTEC Business students. Our Secondary Student Council will also be running a number of sport-themed games from 17:00 – 20:00 with great prizes to be won and all proceeds going to the ‘24 Hours to Make a Difference’ funds. We recommend that students bring 20 baht notes to play these games.

This event will take place on the lower Astro-pitch, the outdoor Basketball court and along the running track. All academy students, parents, coaches and staff are welcome to attend and make this a memorable culmination to our sporting endeavours.

We would be grateful if all families planning to attend the Community BBQ event from 18:00-20:00 would take a moment to complete this short form to help us plan the free food that will be on offer: 24 Hours to Make a Difference Community BBQ Form

Nominated Foundations for 2025

We are delighted that the Head Coaches, along with our Secondary Student Leadership, have nominated the following two foundations this year for sponsorship:

• Youth Football Home

• North Andaman Network Foundation

All funds raised will be shared equally between these two foundations who each do important work in their respective fields.

Meetings & Presentations

Teenagers and Mental Health Parent Workshop on 04.02.25

On 4th February, our Thai Management Team led by Kru Nee (Sontana Baci – School Director) and Kru Toom (Pornkamon Roongsiri – Deputy School Director) organised a workshop on the topic “Teenagers and Mental Health” for Thai parents from Year 5 to Year 9.

The workshop provided parents with insights into the changes teenagers go through and the common challenges they face in an international schools environment. We covered strategies for preventing teenage issues, the importance of mental health, and an overview of the PHSE curriculum, including how we approach sex education in an international school setting. We also shared information about the cannabis law in Thailand as well as how we educate our students in school about drugs and health. Parents also explored positive ways to adapt to their child’s teenage years and shared real-life case studies to learn from one another’s experiences.

Many thanks to the parents who joined this workshop. We trust you found it a valuable and insightful experience. Sontana Baci (Kru Nee) – School Director

Introduction to Sixth Form Parent Meeting

Inviting all parents of Year 11 students to a meeting where we will share with you what life is like in Sixth Form – making the transition from Year 11 to Year 12 – its advantages and challenges. Join us on Tuesday 25th February at 8:30am in the Primary Hall (second floor).

HeadStart Alumni

Jessica Rich – Class of 2024

Some of you may remember me from my years at HeadStart—maybe we were best friends, teammates, or simply shared fleeting moments in the same hallways. For those I’ve yet to
meet, I’m Jessica Rich, and from 2015 to 2024, HeadStart was my home. It shaped me, challenged me, and gave me a community I will always cherish.

You might be wondering why I’m writing this, but I have a story to share—one of passion, setbacks, and the unexpected lessons that come with chasing a dream. As I look back on
my life, one thing that remained constant is my love for sports. It wasn’t just a hobby, but the rhythm of my life, intertwined into everything I did, especially at HeadStart. Football, in particular, became more than a game—it was an obsession, a calling, something that shaped me far beyond the field. But as I grew, so did my curiosity. I became just as fascinated by the mental side of performance as I was by physical skill, realising that psychology plays just as crucial a role in success as athletic ability. That realisation led me to a dream: studying Sport and Exercise Psychology at Loughborough University, a place renowned for its excellence in the field.

In 2024, I took the leap and applied to Loughborough. I didn’t get in. It was crushing, and for a moment, I questioned everything. But rather than letting rejection define me, I used it as fuel to push myself further. During my gap year, I stepped outside my comfort zone, interning at ‘The Slate Phuket’, a luxury hotel, where I developed a deep respect for the hospitality industry and the dedication it takes to create meaningful experiences. As of right now, I am staying true to my roots, helping out at HeadStart’s Girls’ Football Academy. Coaching these young players has been incredibly rewarding—not only does it keep me connected to the sport I love, but it gives me the chance to help these girls experience the same excitement, joy, and sense of belonging that football gave me. I believe that this game is more than just skill and strategy; it’s about confidence, teamwork, and the unbreakable bonds formed on and off the field. A team is more than a group of players; it’s a family, and I was lucky enough to have one that never stopped supporting me.

I would love to sit here and name every teacher who helped me along the way, because each of them supported me in different ways, pushing me when I needed it and believing in
me even when I doubted myself. But if I did that, we’d be here for days. Just know that I am endlessly grateful. Among them, one person I would like to mention—Coach Frost. No
matter how many setbacks I faced, he never stopped believing in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself. Every time I thought about giving up on Loughborough, I heard “NGU” in my head. Never give up. And I didn’t.

Now, after everything, I am incredibly proud to say that this September, I am officially going to Loughborough University. The journey wasn’t easy, but it was mine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that setbacks don’t define you—how you rise from them does

Greg Bottrill Visit

This week, we’ve been thrilled to have Greg Bottrill, renowned expert in learning through play, with us at school. His visit has been an exciting and inspiring opportunity to deepen our understanding of how play can enhance early literacy, especially in Foundation and Key Stage 1.

Greg Bottrill is widely known for his innovative approach to education, emphasising the importance of play as a tool for developing literacy skills in young children. His belief is simple: children learn best when they’re actively engaged, and play is the perfect environment for this to happen. This week, Greg’s time with us has focused on empowering our team to embed play into daily lessons, creating a learning environment where children can explore, express, and develop their literacy skills naturally.

‘The Power of Play’ Teacher Conference

One of the standout moments of Greg’s visit was ‘The Power of Play’ conference held on Monday 10th February at our Cherngtalay campus, with delegates from all over Asia gathering to explore the intersection of literacy and play. It was an incredible opportunity to share insights and experiences with educators from diverse backgrounds, learning how play-based learning is being embraced globally.

Greg’s session at the conference was both inspiring and thought-provoking. He demonstrated how play can be used not just for developing academic skills but also for nurturing creativity, problem-solving, and social skills. The energy in the room was palpable as educators exchanged ideas and discussed how these strategies could be implemented within their own unique cultural contexts.

Sincere thanks to Greg and all the delegates who joined this enriching Professional Development experience.

‘Let’s Co-Play!’ Parent Meeting

In addition to the teacher conference, we held a very special meeting with HeadStart and Phuket families, focusing on the concept of co-play. Co-play is an approach where educators, parents, and children collaborate during playtime, strengthening the bond between home and school and deepening the impact of learning. The insights shared were invaluable, and the feedback from the Phuket families was overwhelmingly positive. All attendees left with a renewed sense of partnership and a deeper understanding of how co-play can transform learning experiences for children.

Supporting Teachers to Integrate Play in the Classroom

Throughout the week, Greg worked closely with our Foundation and KS1 teachers, providing hands-on demonstrations, sharing practical ideas, and helping staff build their confidence in integrating play into the classroom. From storytelling through dramatic play to writing adventures sparked by imaginative games, we’ve been amazed at how Greg’s strategies bring literacy to life in such an engaging and child-centered way.

Having Greg at our school this week has been an absolute pleasure. His passion for literacy through play has ignited new ideas, sparked collaboration, and reminded us of the powerful role that play holds in early childhood education. We are incredibly grateful to Greg for sharing his wisdom and inspiring us all to think outside the box when it comes to teaching literacy.

PE & Sports News

U13 Boys Finish 3rd in KIS Cup

Our U13 Boys did us proud in the KIS Cup last weekend, securing 3rd place in the Cup competition! Having narrowly missed out on a place in the final, losing to eventual winners BISP, the boys found themselves 0-3 down in the 3rd/4th place final, only to mount the most incredible comeback to run out 6-4 winners and take home the prize! Congratulations to the team for their never-say-die attitude and fantastic togetherness! A true team effort.

U13 Panthers Girls Showcase Teamwork

The U13 girls football game against KIS showcased amazing teamwork and hard work yesterday. Their energy and commitment on the field were clear, leading to another great performance. Well Done Girls! Coach Frost – Head Football Coach

Sporting Excellence on Display at the Year 3 to Year 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 Tiger!

Congratulations to everyone who took part and well done! Mr Sadler – PE Teacher

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

Languages Department

Building Confidence and Expanding Vocabulary in Year 9 French

Our Year 9 French students have been expanding their vocabulary on body and health through engaging board games. These activities have helped them practice speaking, build confidence, and improve their translation skills. They’ve also had the opportunity to develop essential language skills that will benefit them beyond the classroom, such as quick thinking in translation and increased confidence in real-world contexts. Working in teams has further enhanced their collaborative skills, which are key to their language development. Ms Rodts – French Teacher

Secondary

BTEC Sport Students Get Visit from Elite Athlete – Dimity-Lee Duke

Our BTEC Sport students had the incredible opportunity to meet Dimity-Lee Duke, a professional Ironman triathlete, as part of their Health and Wellbeing in Sport unit. Dimity-Lee shared her insights on the importance of physical activity, the impact of mental resilience, and the role of sport in promoting lifelong wellbeing.

Students engaged in thought-provoking discussions about training, nutrition, and overcoming barriers to participation in sport. They also gained valuable career insights into the growing sports and active leisure industry. Her inspiring journey as an elite athlete highlighted the significance of dedication, adaptability, and continuous learning in sport and beyond.

This experience provided real-world connections to their coursework and encouraged students to reflect on their own health, performance, and future aspirations in the industry. A huge thank you to Dimity-Lee for her time and sharing her expertise! Mr Sadler – BTEC Sport Teacher

Celebrating the Power of Creative Expression

Nothing is more gratifying than seeing a student write for their own creative expression. Once again, we are proud to share yet another powerful piece here – this time by Soraya. Mr. Pollicutt – Head of English & EAL

Promotions From Around the Island

Natontity – All Natural, Coral-safe, and Waterproof Sunscreen in Six Colours!

Thank to our friends at Natontity for their support of our HeadStart Sports Days – Protecting Children Against the Sun’s Harmful Rays.