Weekly Update #35, 30 May 2025

Announcement from our ECA Team

Please be reminded that today, Friday 30th May, is the last day for all HeadStart ECAs, VAPPS, AEN, EAL, and HeadStart Fee Paid ECAsFee Paid ECAs and CAPA Junior continue untilFriday 13 June.

All Academies continue until Friday 20 June.

If you are unsure which type of ECA your child is enrolled in, please refer to our Term 2&3 ECA list: https://bit.ly/4doDA5X

Announcement from our Sports Academy Teams

This is a polite reminder that there will be no Sports Academy (football, swimming and basketball) training sessions on Saturday 31st May due to the long weekend. Academy sessions will return on Wednesday 4th June and run until Friday 20th June.

Coffee Morning Invitation from the Parent Committee

We would like to invite all parents for a coffee morning on Friday 6th June from 9.00am at the Wood X Good Cafe (https://www.facebook.com/woodxgoodcafe/) on Chaofah West Road, just 5 minutes drive from school. See you there!

Final Friday Market of the Year

Inviting everyone to attend our final Friday Market of the school year. If you want delicious home-baked treats and freshly made drinks, or sustainably sourced products and second-hand items with a focus on reducing plastic waste and supporting local enterprise, then join us in the Atrium from 2:40pm on Friday 6th June. We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

📅 Date: Saturday 7 June 2025

🕓 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

Year 6 Graduation Ceremony 2025

We cordially invite our Year 6 Students and their families to our Year 6 Graduation Ceremony. This is a wonderful chance to celebrate our Year 6 students as they transition from Primary to Secondary school.

📅 Date: Wednesday 18 June 2025

🕒 Time: 13:30 – 14:30

📍 Location: Sports Hall

Join us in celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of our students. We look forward to sharing this memorable occasion with all of you.

Primary End of Year Awards Ceremony 2025

We are delighted to invite students from Year 2 to Year 6 and parents of our award winners (please await email confirmation) to our Primary End of Year Awards Ceremony. This special event is to honor the achievements of our students in this, our second year as a school community.

📅 Date: Thursday 19 June 2025

🕒 Time: 13:30 – 14:30

📍 Location: Sports Hall

Reception Graduation Ceremony 2025

We are thrilled to invite all of our Reception students and parents to a special celebration honoring all that our wonderful children have learned in Foundation! Join us as we celebrate their achievements and their exciting journey ahead in Primary school.

📅 Date: Friday 20 June 2025

🕒 Time: 08:45 – 09:45

📍 Location: Foundation Indoor Learning Centre

Let’s come together to applaud our little ones and their amazing progress. We look forward to sharing this joyful moment with you!

Head Boy and Sixth Form Team Wrap Up UPrep Series with Ivy League Insights

The final session of this year’s UPrep series ended on a high note on Wednesday morning as Head Boy Krit and the Sixth Form team delivered an inspiring and practical talk for parents about applying to Ivy League universities in the US. Drawing from his own experience receiving multiple offers from highly competitive Ivy League institutions, Krit offered a student’s perspective on what it takes to stand out. He and the Sixth Form team walked parents through the US admissions process, highlighting the importance of at least four years of strong academic performance, as well as the holistic review approach that considers extracurricular activities, leadership, and personal character. The talk also touched on important recent updates in the US education visa process, including growing attention to applicants’ social media activity – an area families need to be aware of.

Parents warmly praised the session for its energy, insight, and clarity, with many commenting on how helpful it was to hear directly from a student who has successfully navigated the process.Thank you to Krit for his contribution. As the final event in this year’s UPrep series, the talk was a fitting conclusion to a programme designed to equip students and families with the tools and confidence to pursue top-tier university opportunities worldwide. The Sixth Form Team

Reception to Year 1 Transition Meeting on 27.05.25

It was a pleasure welcoming so many of you on Tuesday to the Reception to Year 1 Transition Meeting. Thank you again for taking the time to join us and for your ongoing support. The session was filled with valuable insights, thoughtful questions, and meaningful discussions.

Transition is such an important milestone in a child’s learning journey, helping them build confidence, independence, and a sense of readiness for the next stage. We’re committed to supporting both children and families as we prepare for this exciting step into Primary, and we look forward to working together to ensure a smooth and positive start to Year 1. Thank you for your support always, what a great partnership we share!

Crispin Reynolds – Enrolled at HeadStart Since Year 5

Crispin, known by all as Dylan, has been a valued member of the HeadStart community since Year 5, growing into a well-rounded, compassionate, and academically driven student. His journey through school has been marked by consistent curiosity, determination, and a deep sense of community. Dylan aspires to study Applied Biology, and his hard work has earned him university offers from a number of prestigious universities in the UK. He is also preparing to continue his studies at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg in Germany. Throughout his time at HeadStart, Dylan has embraced a wide range of opportunities. He successfully completed the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), demonstrating independent research skills and intellectual maturity in his chosen field of Biology. His commitment to growth and service is evident in his completion of the Duke of Edinburgh Award and his heartfelt contributions to Sunny Side Up, where he supported children through educational outreach initiatives. A creative spirit, Dylan was also involved in CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts), contributing to the vibrant cultural life of the school. Dylan leaves behind a legacy of thoughtful leadership, genuine kindness, and a deep commitment to learning – qualities that will undoubtedly guide and enrich his journey as he steps confidently into the next chapter of his academic life.

Zegong Sun – Enrolled at HeadStart Since Year 8

Zegong Sun, known to us as Gordon, a valued member of the HeadStart student body since Year 7, has demonstrated consistent leadership and academic excellence throughout his secondary years. As a Prefect in Year 12, Gordon served as a role model to younger students while maintaining a strong academic track record. Gordon has received offers from Flinders University in Adelaide and Griffin University, Australia to pursue a Bachelor of Clinical Sciences/Doctor of Medicine (BSc/MD). His commitment to the medical field and leadership reflect a deep passion for service and Science. We wish Gordon the very best as he begins his journey into the world of healthcare and medical innovation.

Vinto Schmid – Enrolled at HeadStart Since Year 3

Vinto Schmid, a student at HeadStart International School since Year 3, has accepted an exciting offer to study a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Global Hospitality Management at The Asian Institute of Hospitality Management Bangkok (AIHM). He was awarded a 25% tuition fee scholarship in recognition of his outstanding potential and enthusiasm for the hospitality industry. In addition, Vinto received an offer from HTMi Switzerland, further highlighting his strong aptitude in this field. Known for his adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors, Vinto is a passionate kite-surfer, surfer, and watersports enthusiast. His affinity for dynamic, people-oriented environments makes hospitality a natural fit, and he looks forward to bringing his global perspective and boundless energy into the ever-evolving world of international hospitality. We wish Vinto all the best as he rides the next wave of his journey.

Yucheng Qiang – Enrolled at HeadStart Since Year 7

Yucheng, known to everyone as Alex, who has been a HeadStart student since 2018, will be studying Economics (BA) and has received offers from many prestigious universities in the UK and US including: University of California Davis, University of California Santa Cruz, University of Edinburgh, University of Leeds, University of Reading, and University of Bristol, New York University (NYU), University of California San Diego and Boston University. In recognition of his academic excellence, Alex has been awarded over $150,000 USD in scholarships to support his studies. This outstanding achievement reflects his dedication and potential in the field of Economics.

Molly (4 White Chaofah City campus) – Enrolled at HeadStart since Reception

Molly is a quietly confident young girl who simply loves coming to school! Whether it’s visiting the library to read and borrow new books, getting creative in the Art classroom with Miss Mindaro or having the opportunity to show off her dance skills as a valuable member of the CAPA HeadStars Dance Academy, Molly’s bright smile and genuine kindness to others is heart-warming. So, why does Molly love HeadStart?

HeadStart Shines at PISAC Basketball Championships

HeadStart Basketball Academy delivered a fantastic performance at the recent PISAC Championships hosted by BCIS, with players from both campuses and the VAP program showcasing their hard work, determination, and team spirit. The U11 Boys took 1st place in a competitive pool featuring BCIS, KIS, and BISP. The boys played with great energy and cohesion, going undefeated throughout the tournament. The U13 Girls earned 2nd place in a spirited matchup against UWC, displaying excellent teamwork, resilience, and noticeable growth from start to finish. The U13 Boys finished 2nd out of five teams (BISP, BCIS, UWC, KIS, and HeadStart), showing tremendous effort, improved execution on both ends of the floor, and the ability to stay composed through high-intensity matchups.

We are incredibly proud of our Academy players from City Campus, North Campus, and VAP classes, who represented the school with pride and sportsmanship. A heartfelt thank you from our coaching staff to all the parents for your unwavering support throughout the season. Your encouragement makes a world of difference. With our youngest age groups earning podium finishes against every major international school in Phuket, the future of basketball at HeadStart is incredibly bright. These results reflect a strong foundation and a clear path for continued success on and off the court. Coach Grant – Basketball Coach

Celebrating our HeadStart U13 Girls Football Academy team!

Last week, our HeadStart U13 Girls team travelled to Oak Meadow for a match which resulted in some great football being played by the girls. This team have worked so hard this season and we are very proud of their achievements. Their dedication and teamwork have really paid off especially as they have shown constant improvement throughout the year. This has resulted in the team finishing 2nd and 3rd in two of the biggest international school competitions in Thailand. This shows how much they have grown and how much potential they have.

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented group! Coach Frost – Head Football Coach

End of Year Pawndemonium Chess Tournament!

Twice a year we organize an inter-school chess tournament. This time it’s summer edition, 2nd Pawndemonium! Our 10th and final tournament of the 2024/2025 Season will be held on Saturday, 14th June. Attendance checking at 11:30 am and the first round just after. The event will finish at approximately 18:00.

Early bird fee: 250 THB

Registration fee on the day of the tournament will be 500 THB.

Medals for top 3 players. Trophies for best U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18 and Best Female categories.

• 1st place: 2000 THB + handmade chess board

• 2nd place: 1500 THB

• 3rd place: 1000 THB

• Best Female: 1000 THB + 2 nights in a luxurious villa (worth 20K THB!)

Attractive awards for all participants! And… pizza! Students of all levels and ages are welcome! To register, contact coach Dawid on WhatsApp: +66810486441

Early Years Tiny CAPA Show: The Gruffalo

Our incredible Early Years performers wowed the audience in this year’s Tiny CAPA show with a magical re-telling of The Gruffalo. Every child took to the stage with confidence, using their loud, clear voices to bring the beloved story to life. They amazed us with their timing, pausing perfectly in the music to deliver key lines and showcase their storytelling skills. Performing in front of so many families, our young stars shone brightly, showing courage and creativity. It was an unforgettable performance that made us all proud! The Early Years Team

A Hair-raising Experience in Year 4 Science ECA

As part of our ongoing collaboration between Primary and Secondary Science, Mr Robertson’s Year 4 Science Club joined Mr Brown in the Secondary Physics Lab for an electrifying afternoon of Physics fun. Year 4 students explored the exciting world of electricity, this time with a practical twist. They began by investigating static electricity, using balloons to demonstrate how electric charge can build up and cause everyday objects (and even hair!) to behave in unusual ways. But the real showstopper was the Van de Graaff generator. With sparks flying and hair standing on end, students experienced firsthand how static charge can accumulate and discharge, turning textbook science into something they could see, feel, and hear!

These kinds of practical experiences are key to developing scientific understanding. In Physics, many core ideas, like electrons, charge, and electric fields, can be abstract and invisible. By modelling these concepts through hands-on activities, students are able to bring science to life and make meaningful connections with their learning. It was a fantastic afternoon of inquiry, discovery, and high-voltage enthusiasm, and we can’t wait to welcome Primary back for more science adventures! The Science Team

Countdown Student Showdown!

On May 23rd, the Countdown Student Showdown erupted on the Friday assembly! A high-octane mash-up of maths mayhem and linguistic lightning: this was not your average spelling bee or times table test; it was a veritable battle where every second counted, and only the quickest minds would multiply their glory!

Representing their houses in a cerebral slugfest of syntax and sums, were the fearless contestants from Year 10:

Red House

Yubi “The Numerator” – crunches numbers with factorial force.

Dora “The Destroyer” – annihilates anagrams with dictionary devastation.

Yellow House

Ollie “The Operator” – always in the right mode for mathematical mischief.

Ton “The Lexicon” – dropping dictionary bombs and syllabic strikes.

Green House

Reece “The Remainder” – never divisible, always resilient.

Muskaan “The Multiplier” – turning small words into big wins.

Blue House

Opal “The Overwriter” – editing the opposition out of existence.

Timur “The Timekeeper” – calculating victory down to the last tick.

After gruelling semi-finals, Blue and Yellow Houses emerged victorious.

Strap yourselves in for an apocalyptic final pm 6th June to determine who will be crowned Countdown Champions for 2025! Mr. Pollicutt and Ms. Bekker

Socratic Seminars in Year 8

We have never tried a Socratic Seminar with students as young as Year 8 and was thus a little apprehensive. We needn’t have been!

Year 8 Woolf explored and discussed some of the philosophical and political questions which emerge at the end of Orwell’s Animal Farm. Questions such as:

• “Are the animals complicit in their own oppression by the end of the novel?”

• “How does Orwell contrast the hopeful tone of the revolution’s beginning with the disillusionment of the final chapter?”

• “Can the failure of the revolution be blamed entirely on the pigs?”

• “Why do you think Orwell ends the novel with a card game and a quarrel between pigs and humans?”

• “Is Animal Farm ultimately a pessimistic or realistic portrayal of political revolution?”

provided fertile ground indeed for the students. Displaying critical thinking levels of this kind in Year 8 bodes extremely well for the future of Literature at HeadStart! Mr. Pollicutt – Head of English & EAL

Phuket Has Been Good To Us (PHBGTU) Charity Dinner at Bucha Gallery & Restaurant

On Saturday 7th June, Bucha Gallery & Restaurant is hosting a the latest Phuket Has Been Good To Us (PHBGTU) Charity Dinner. Guests will enjoy a four-course dinner featuring the bold, vibrant flavours of Pak Pha Nang Southern Thai Cuisine. There will be a welcome drink, as well as a drink with dinner and raffle prizes to win.

Tickets are by donation of 2,200 Baht with all profits going to PHBGTU, helping provide free English education to underprivileged children in Kamala and Kalim. Contact Tina for more details and to book [email protected]