Weekly Update #7, 3 October 2025

Parent Committee Term 1 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 1 meeting with the school’s Management team on Thursday, 30th October.

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, 22nd October.

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.

Yearbook Photoshoot Starts Monday!

A friendly reminder that our annual school yearbook photoshoot begins this coming Monday. This is a wonderful opportunity to capture the smiles and laughter your child shares with their classmates, preserving the memories of their year at our Chaofah City campus.

The photoshoot will run from Monday 6th OctobertoThursday 9th October. Your child’s Homeroom teacher will confirm the specific day for their class photo. We look forward to capturing these cherished moments!

Build Skills, Confidence, and Friendships This October Break!

Looking for a fun and rewarding way for your child to spend the upcoming half-term break (11th-19th October)? Our sports camps are the perfect opportunity to turn free time into an adventure in learning and growth.

Guided by our expert coaches, your child will not only improve their technique but also develop teamwork, boost their confidence, and make new friends in a supportive and energetic environment.

Choose from our exciting programmes:

• Swim Camp @ HeadStart Cherngtalay campus: An opportunity for Academy swimmers to prepare for then upcoming BISP Pentathlon and Aqua Panthers Invitational (API).

• Swim Lessons @ HeadStart Chaofah City campus: Perfect for building water confidence or taking skills to the next level.

• Football and Basketball @ HeadStart Chaofah City campus: Fast-paced drills, fun games, and friendly matches.

Give your child a holiday break to remember! Check the posters below for full details on age groups, times, and prices, and book their spot today.

Wai Kru (Teacher Appreciation) Ceremony

We are delighted to extend an invitation to all students and parents to join our Wai Kru (Teacher Appreciation) Ceremonies at our Chaofah City campus. This ceremony holds deep cultural significance and takes place in schools throughout Thailand at the start of each academic year. It is a special occasion where students express their respect and appreciation for their teachers by presenting them with flowers.

Students are encouraged to bring flowers to express their appreciation for their teachers.

Dates and times for our Foundation, Primary and Secondary Wai Kru Ceremonies can be found in the poster below 👇.

Russian Language Day Term 1

We are delighted to invite you to the Russian Language Day, which will take place at our Chaofah City Campus on Saturday, October 25th, from 09:00 to 12:00. The program will include:

• a talent show;

• board games;

• a shared meal.

Please note that pre-registration is required for the talent show, as the number of performances is limited due to time constraints. We kindly ask you to register in advance. To make our shared meal truly festive, we would greatly appreciate it if each family could contribute by bringing a traditional dish or beverage for the communal table.

In order to participate, we kindly ask all families to fill out the registration form. This will help us organize the event more effectively. Thank you for your continued support and active participation in school life. We are confident that, with your help, this celebration will be a bright and memorable event for all participants. The Russian Language Team

Приглашаем вас на День русского языка, который состоится в корпусе Chaofah City 25 октября (суббота) с 9:00 до 12:00. В программе мероприятия:

• шоу талантов;

• настольные игры;

• совместная трапеза.

Для участия в шоу талантов необходима предварительная регистрация, так как количество выступающих ограничено временем проведения праздника. Просим зарегистрироваться заранее.
С целью организации совместного обеда мы будем признательны, если каждая семья внесет вклад в общий стол, подготовив традиционное блюдо или напиток.

Для участия просим заполнить регистрационную форму. Это поможет нам организовать мероприятие более эффективно. Благодарим вас за поддержку и участие в жизни школы. Уверены, что с вашей помощью праздник пройдет на высоком уровне и станет ярким событием для всех участников. русскоязычная команда школы HeadStart

Introduction to the IGCSE Curriculum Parent Meeting on 30.09.25

On Tuesday 30th September, Mr Davidson, Head of Upper Secondary, gave a presentation introducing parents to the IGCSE Curriculum. We hope the information presented was helpful and that everyone who attended has a better grasp of what students will experience in Secondary in terms of their IGCSE courses and learning. If you weren’t able to make it to the presentation, the notes are provided in the download below.

HSC Parent Meeting 06 Introduction to the IGCSE Curriculum 2025 26

Duke Of Edinburgh Meeting for Year 10 Parents on 02.10.25

On Thursday 2nd October, Year 10 parents were invited to attend a meeting providing information about the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) International Bronze Award. As part of the Year 10 curriculum we invite students to participate in this important program, which is the world’s leading achievement award for young people, and is highly regarded by universities, colleges and employers.

The DofE encourages young people to develop independence, commitment, leadership and teamwork through being involved in a personalised programme of activities. Parents were able to see the different sections that make up the Award and learn more about the Adventurous Journey expedition – which will be taking place in Krabi for the first time this year. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award requires students to become independent and self-sufficient, developing key transferable skills including communication, teamwork and problem solving. They work in small groups to set targets and find ways to achieve their goals. Ms Uhure – Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator

Helping Your Child with Behaviour Parent Workshop on Tuesday 7th October

We invite all parents of Foundation students (Preschool, Early Years and Reception) to join us for our latest parent meeting when our Foundation team will run a workshop to help you understand child behaviour and how what happens in the classroom can link with home. It will also be a great opportunity to meet other parents and members of our community. Our Thai, Russian and Mandarin speaking admin teams will be on hand to provide translation services. We look forward to seeing you there! Tuesday 7th October 2025 from 8:30-9:30am in the Primary Hall (2nd floor).

UPrep Talk 4 – Comparing Different University Systems

Welcoming all interested parents to join our upcoming UPrep (University Preparation) Talk on the topic of comparing different university systems

📅 Date: Wednesday, 8th October 2025

📍 Location: Secondary Hall, 4th Floor

⏰ Time: 08:30 – 09:15

Find out the basic differences between university/college study around the world how studying in the UK, USA, Europe, Canada or Asia differs. We look forward to seeing you there!

Nurturing Resilience and Teamwork: HeadStart’s PE Team

HeadStart Chaofah City’s PE team is dedicated to fostering resilience and collaboration among our students. Through a diverse range of sports and physical activities, the team emphasizes the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Whether competing in team sports like football, basketball, or volleyball, or engaging in individual challenges, students learn to push through setbacks, stay motivated, and celebrate collective achievements.

Our PE team believes that resilience is best developed through experiencing both success and failure in a supportive environment. Teachers provide guidance and encouragement, helping students to build mental toughness and a positive mindset. Collaboration plays a vital role, as students learn to communicate effectively, trust their peers, and work together towards common goals. These skills not only improve their athletic performance but also translate into classroom situations when studying for an IGCSE in Physical Education (PE) or a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Sport, preparing them to face challenges with confidence.

At HeadStart, we are committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals who value effort, teamwork, and persistence. Our PE program is more than just physical activity; it’s about shaping resilient, cooperative citizens of tomorrow. We take pride in seeing our students grow into confident, adaptable, and respectful individuals through the empowering experiences provided by our PE team, building individuals who understand that the skills learned through sport are the same skills that will lead to success in their future studies, careers, and communities.

First Beach Clean of the Year

Our first community beach clean of the year was attended by at least 63 members of our school community. All houses were represented with Green Dragons and Blue Tigers a close first place (however this remains hotly contested). It was wonderful to have so many people turn up and get involved. We are looking forward to an even greater turn out at our October beach clean; 26th October at Kata Beach.

In other Eco School news, we will soon be recruiting our Primary Eco Ambassadors so keep an eye out for sign up sheets. Please visit us at the November Friday Market for a hands on workshop and the Christmas Market where we you can purchase eco friendly gifts in support of our Mangrove Regeneration project here on Phuket. Mr Gratton – Eco School Lead

Green Dragons Take a Halfway Lead!

As we approach the halfway stage of our Term 1 House competition, congratulations go to the Green Dragons on their well-deserved first place! With the Blue Tigers, Yellow Cheetahs and Red Phoenixes hot on their heels, their is still so much to play for in the race to win the Term 1 House prize. May the best House be victorious!

Your Move: The Second Chess Tournament of the Year Awaits!

Calling all aspiring grandmasters to our second Student Chess Tournament of the academic year! This is your chance to showcase your skills, test your strategy, and compete for the top spots and great prizes totaling 4000 THB, with medals and a bunch of other attractive awards!

🗓️ Date: Saturday, 11th October

🕘 Time: Attendance check 11:00

📍 Location: Canteen, Chaofah City Campus

To secure your place, please register with Coach Dawid soon. Please note that a double entry fee applies for registration on the day of the tournament.

A Wave of Success: HeadStart Aqua Panthers Swim Team Shines!

What an incredible start to the season for the HeadStart Aqua Panthers Swim Team! From our youngest swimmers to our most senior athletes, the entire squad showcased the spirit, determination, and supportive culture that defines our programme. The weekend was filled with moments of triumph for everyone involved.

We celebrated our elite swimmers who broke 12 school records, our dedicated athletes who achieved impressive personal bests through sheer hard work, and our courageous first-time competitors who swam brilliantly. Every single swimmer contributed to the team’s success and the fantastic atmosphere. Congratulations to all our athletes and coaches – to put it simply: you are crushing it!

The future looks bright as we head to the BISP Pentathlon on 25th October and the Aqua Panthers Invitational (API) coming up at the end of November!

HeadStart Panthers Girls Football Update

Panthers U13 Girls Kick of their Season with Win over BISP

Our Panthers U13 Girls kicked off their season with a first game against BISP. The team won 4-0 and showed great skill and teamwork on and off the pitch. This was a strong performance and we are looking forward to seeing how the group continues to grow as a team this season.

Panthers U18 Girls Take on UWC

The U18’s won their first match of the season beating UWC 8–0. The team worked hard from the first whistle, showing great energy and togetherness. Goals came from all over the pitch, with players combining well in attack and staying strong at the back to keep a clean sheet. It was a very positive performance and a great reward for the effort from all the girls. A strong start to build on for the rest of the season.

First Ever Outing for New Panthers U11 Girls Team

It was a really exciting afternoon for the girls, with several of them experiencing the pride of representing HeadStart Academy for the very first time. Despite the final score ending 6-1 in BISP’s favour, the girls showed fantastic spirit and improvement throughout the match. A highlight was our goal which was a brilliant strike that lifted the whole team and gave the players and supporters something to celebrate. Overall, the day was a huge step forward for the U11 girls, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts.

Panthers U11 Girls Secure First Win of the Season

The U11s secured their first win of the season beating UWC 8–0 after a dominant display. From the first whistle, the team showed great determination and energy, pressing high up the pitch and working hard for each other.

The goals were shared around, with four different players getting on the scoresheet, reflecting the collective effort and attacking intent shown by the whole team. The defence stayed solid to secure a clean sheet, while the forwards took their chances with confidence. It was a performance full of hard work, resilience, and togetherness – a brilliant step forward for the group, and a well-deserved result. Coach Madi – Football Coach

Expressing Opinions in Year 8 French

Building on the feedback from their recent assessment, our Year 8 French class focused on developing their ability to express a wide range of opinions. To put this into practice, students played a game of Snakes and Ladders: first translating opinions into English, then taking on the greater challenge of expressing them in French. The activity encouraged collaboration, with students often helping each other with pronunciation and grammar, while still enjoying the competitive spirit. Alongside their progress, they also earned house points for their efforts! Mdme Rodts

Meet Your Primary Student Leadership Team!

We are thrilled to announce the Primary Student Leadership Team for 2025-26! Our Head Boy and Head Girl are from Year 6 and are last year’s Deputies, returning to lead the team with experience and confidence. Joining them as the new Deputy Head Boy and Girl, both talented Year 5 students, were selected through a competitive application and interview process with Ms Hark, demonstrating maturity, determination, and leadership potential.

Our Student Council is made up of one representative from each class. These students were elected by their classmates after giving inspiring speeches about why they would make excellent leaders, giving everyone a real insight into democracy in action.

The whole Student Leadership Team will meet regularly, work closely with school management to help improve the school, and organise and run exciting whole-school events.

These young leaders have already demonstrated our School Learner Attributes of being principled, courageous, and open-minded, showing dedication, responsibility, and enthusiasm for making a positive difference in our school community. We can’t wait to see all they will achieve this year!

Bringing Ideas to Life: Year 1 Students and Parents Collaborate to Design their own Toys

Our Year 1 classrooms were filled with excitement and creativity on Tuesday morning as we welcomed parents to our special Parents’ Challenge Humanities showcase. The children have been learning all about the history of toys, exploring and comparing how toys from the past differ from those we play with today. Inspired by this learning and working side by side, children and parents worked together to design and build their own toys using only recycled junk modelling materials.

Cardboard tubes, bottle tops, and plastic containers were transformed into imaginative creations, each one unique, bringing their ideas to life. From launching rockets to doll’s house castles, the atmosphere buzzed with ideas, resilience, and laughter, with collaboration at the heart of every project. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to learn, problem-solve, and play together while celebrating the power of creativity and teamwork. The Year 1 Team

A Chocolate Factory Adventure: Year 5 Get Creative with Cocoa

This week, Year 5 embarked on a delicious adventure to the Barada Chocolate Factory in Rawai, where they learned all about the fascinating journey of chocolate — from bean to bar! Students explored the importance of ethical farming in cocoa production and got hands-on in the chocolate-making process. After discovering the steps involved, they put their creativity to the test by crafting their very own chocolate bars. It was a truly sweet and educational experience for all! The Year 5 Teaching Team

Primary Stars of the Week

This week, we are delighted to celebrate our Primary Stars of the Week for showing the learner attribute of Kindness. These wonderful children have been noticed for their caring words, thoughtful actions, and the way they support others. Whether it was including a friend in a game, offering help without being asked, or showing patience and understanding, each of them has made a real difference in our school community. We are so proud of their efforts and the positive example they set for everyone.