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 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: https://bit.ly/4doDA5X

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: Rawai Beach 9:30 am (meet outside We Cafe)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: 29 May 2025

🕒 Time: 08:30-09:30

📍 Location: Foundation Indoor Learning Centre

Reception to Year 1 Transition & Language Options Parent Meeting

As our Reception children continue to grow in confidence and independence, we are beginning to prepare them for the exciting transition into Year 1. This important next step marks the move from the Foundation Stage into Key Stage One, and we are dedicated to making the journey as smooth and supportive as possible.

To help guide families through this transition, we will be holding a Reception to Year 1 Transition Meeting on Tuesday 27th May 8:30 – 9:30am in the Primary Hall (second floor). During the meeting, we’ll discuss what to expect in Year 1, how we are supporting the children in this change, and ways parents can help at home.

The Reception team is incredibly proud of each child’s progress, particularly in how they are working hard with their beautiful writing and reading, and we look forward to sharing how we’re helping them take this next big step with confidence and excitement.

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

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?

Bonding Through Reading Activities in Primary & Secondary Thai Classes

Recently, Thai first language students participated in special reading activities. Year 7, Year 8, and Year 9 students visited Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 classrooms to engage in reading activities together. These were meaningful moments where older students bonded with younger ones, while the younger students showed respect to their seniors —an important aspect of Thai culture.

Year 7 and Year 1 participated in guided reading sessions where Year 1 students practiced their reading skills using flashcards and books, as well as playing guessing games. Some Year 1 students even confidently read aloud to Year 7 students. Everyone had such a wonderful time!

Year 8 read stories to Year 2 students. They divided into small groups, with each group sharing different stories. Some stories were original creations! Year 8 students dedicated time and used their creativity specifically for this activity. The joy on everyone’s faces showed how much fun both classes had.

Year 9 went all out! They not only read but performed a story for Year 3 students. They created costumes and props especially for this performance. The classroom filled with laughter and excitement—proof that a good story never gets boring.

Since these activities, we’ve noticed younger students greeting their seniors in the hallways, which is heartwarming to see. Our students are truly connecting across grade levels. Special thanks to Kru Fon, Kru Kan, and Kru Song for preparing and coaching Years 7, 8, and 9 for these wonderful activities. The Thai Teaching Team

Mandarin-Speaking Parents Meeting on 20.05.25

On May 20th, we held a parent meeting focused on the theme “Mandarin Language, Culture, and Community”. Our parent guest speakers, Ms. Hollie Yu and Ms. Xin Ju , shared many valuable experiences, including how to help children adapt to a new language and living environment, as well as how to support their academic development. Parents also shared their experiences celebrating traditional festivals abroad, such as preparing hometown dishes and actively participating in the Mandarin Language Day to connect with the community. Our student guest speaker, Yufei Lin, also gave a wonderful presentation, describing her experience adapting to the new school and comparing her current school with her previous one, providing valuable student insights.

We sincerely thank all our guests for their honest sharing and active participation. It was a warm and inspiring exchange that further strengthened the connection between school and families and demonstrated our shared commitment to supporting students’ learning, cultural identity, and sense of community. The Languages Team

5月20日，我们举行了一场以“中文语言、文化与社区”为主题的家长分享会。我们的家长嘉宾发言人Hollie Yu女士和鞠馨女士分享了许多宝贵经验，包括如何帮助孩子适应新的语言和生活环境，以及如何支持孩子的学业发展。家长们还分享了在海外庆祝传统节日的经历，比如做家乡美食，积极参与学校的中文语言日，与社区建立联系。学生嘉宾发言人林雨菲也带来了精彩的分享，讲述了她适应新学校的经历，并对现在和之前就读的学校进行了对比，带来了宝贵的学生视角。

我们衷心感谢所有嘉宾的真诚分享与积极参与。这是一场温馨而充满启发的交流活动，进一步加强了学校与家庭的联系，也展现了我们对学生学习、文化认同与社区归属感的共同关注与支持。语言团队

Observing a Magical Moment Up Close in Preschool

It’s been a very exciting week in Preschool! The caterpillars we’ve been caring for transformed into chrysalises—and this week, they emerged as beautiful butterflies! We placed them in the indoor learning center so all the children could observe and enjoy this magical moment up close. Miss Iona – Preschool Teacher

Early Years Go On a Walk with Rosie!

Early Years have been busy bringing their core text Rosie’s Walk to life through a range of engaging and imaginative activities. From creating detailed story maps to acting out Rosie’s journey, children explored the story in depth, building their comprehension, sequencing, and storytelling skills. To help connect the text to their own experiences and embed it in their long-term memory, the children went on their very own walk around the school, retracing Rosie’s steps with excitement and curiosity.

To round off this wonderful learning journey, each child created their own version of Rosie’s Walk, retelling the story in their own way. The personalised booklets even included helpful prompts and questions on the back, encouraging parents to join in the fun and continue the learning at home. What an outstanding example of creativity, connection, and collaboration in Early Years!

Showcasing Ballet Skills in Foundation

The Foundation Ballet ECA Assembly was a special celebration of grace and confidence. Children from both Early Years and Reception took to the stage to showcase the skills they’ve been developing during their ballet ECAs. With poise and elegance, the young dancers performed beautifully, demonstrating balance, coordination, and rhythm through carefully practised routines. Well done our wonderful ballerinas!

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

Year 4 Science Club Explore the Secondary Biology Lab

At HeadStart, we believe that science education should begin with a sense of wonder, and that exploration and innovation should be encouraged from an early age. That’s why we are always excited to welcome our youngest learners into the secondary science laboratories, helping to build their confidence and curiosity in a real scientific environment.

As part of this ongoing collaboration between the primary and secondary teaching teams, Mr. Robertson and Dr. Cardall recently hosted a special session with the Year 4 Science Club in the secondary biology lab. The session introduced the students to one of the most fundamental tools in biological science: the microscope.

During the session, the Year 4 students learned how to carefully prepare their own onion cell slides using proper lab techniques. They then observed their slides under high-magnification microscopes, seeing for the first time the cellular structures that make up the living world. For many, this was their first experience working with lab equipment and they rose to the challenge with enthusiasm and precision.

Providing opportunities like this at an early stage not only nurtures a love for science but also helps students become confident and comfortable in laboratory environments, setting the stage for more advanced learning in the future. Dr Cardall and Mr Robertson – Biology Teacher and Year 4 Teacher

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” – Carl Sagan

Year 7 Storyboards Inspired by Roald Dahl’s The Landlady

These amazing storyboard artworks were created by Year 7 students in response to Roald Dahl’s macabre short story The Landlady. Through this cross-curricular project, pupils demonstrated impressive comprehension and analytical skills, while also exploring visual interpretation—applying higher-order thinking from Bloom’s Taxonomy, including analysis, evaluation, and creative synthesis. The work is a testament to how literature and art can combine to deepen understanding, while also inspiring a love of learning across the curriculum.

Featured here are two exceptional pieces: a brightly coloured storyboard by Ikkyu and a more pastel-toned interpretation by Emily. Both bring Dahl’s unsettling narrative to life with imagination and insight. Mr Wysoczanski – English Teacher

Writing with a Purpose – The World Scholar’s Cup

Our rescheduled World Scholar’s Cup departs for Denla International School in Bangkok next Friday 30th May. For it, students have to be true polymaths – applying the knowledge they’ve learnt across a range of disciplines in various forms. The most self-consciously literary part of the programme is collaborative writing.

This requires students to engage with thought-provoking prompts, writing pieces which are both creative and original whilst at the same time understanding and assimilating the content of the vast WSC syllabus. Earlier this week, I was genuinely impressed by the capacity for abstract thought by many of the scholars. Two students in particular- Buahom and Title – produced two really artful, stylish and clever pieces which I would like to share with our community. Mr. Pollicutt – Head of English & EAL

We hope you enjoy reading 👇

If people truly understood the present they would not feel the need to change the future
Present meets the future

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.