Weekly Update #23, 27 February 2026

Annual Parent Survey

At the end of February each year, we aim to send out a Parent Survey to our community in order to gauge feedback in a number of areas and to allow parents to tell us what they think we are doing well, what we need to improve and constructive ideas for improvements. The results of this survey are then processed and we share the outcomes with our Parent Committee and discuss the key findings, before sharing with the wider community in Term 3.

The survey is available in four languages and we encourage parents to fill in the survey in whichever language they feel most confident using. The questions are the same on each survey and will be processed together. We encourage parents to fill in the survey at their earliest convince to help us make improvements to our provision and so we can understand the areas that need improvements.

• English: English Survey

• Thai: Thai Survey

• Russian: Russian Survey

• Mandarin: Mandarin Survey

International Day 2026

We are delighted to extend a warm invitation to all our families to join us for our International Day celebrations. This event promises to be a vibrant and culturally enriching experience, showcasing the diversity that makes our school community so special.

📆 Date: Friday 6th March 2026

⏰ Time: 14:30-17:00

📍 Venue: Chaofah City Campus

Our International Day event will feature a colourful array of cultural performances, international cuisine, interactive exhibits, and a warm atmosphere of unity. It’s an excellent opportunity for us to come together, celebrate our global community, and foster a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of cultures represented at HeadStart.

We would be honoured by your presence as we celebrate diversity, promote cultural exchange, and strengthen the bonds that make HeadStart International School a truly international learning environment.

Political Standpoints

This is a polite reminder that International Day is not a forum for pushing political agendas. The event is designed for everyone to come together in a show of kindness and respect, and to demonstrate a sense of community.

Vendor Information

For all parents organising booths for International Day, please find guidelines and policy & procedure documents below 👇

HSC International Day Guidelines Information
HSC International Day P P for Performers

Arrangements for Students on International Day

Foundation

• The Foundation day will end at 14:00 from which point parents can collect their child from their homeroom to go to the astro for International Day.

• Any Foundation children who have not been collected by 14:20 will be in our Foundation late pick up provision.

Primary

• The Primary day will end at 14:00 from which point parents can collect their child from their homeroom to go to the astro for International Day.

• Any Primary children who have not been collected by 14:20 and children travelling on the school bus will be taken to late pick up in the Lunch Hall.

Secondary

• The Secondary day will end at 14:30 in line with the end of Period 5.

• Secondary students will be able to go to the astro at this time for International Day or leave the school site from 14:30

School Bus

• Please note that our school buses will be leaving only one time – 15:10 – on Friday 6th March.

Students involved in International Day performances

• Parents involved in set up of International Day (costumes, performance practice etc.) may request that they collect their child from lessons but this must be arranged in advance and communicated with the child’s homeroom teacher via email.

• Parents of Secondary students in Years 7-10 should email Khun Jajah [email protected] to request that they collect their child from lessons.

• Parents of Secondary students in Years 11-13 should email Khun Nan [email protected] to request that they collect their child from lessons.

24 Hours to Make a Difference Charity Event

We wish the best of luck to all our Academy athletes taking part in this weekend’s charity event at our Chaofah City campus. Starting tonight at 20:00 with our swimmers in the pool and concluding with our footballers and b’ballers on the astro and court at 20:00 Saturday, it promises to be 24 hours of non-stop sporting action! With our first-ever HeadStart Dynamic Games (13:00-14:30), parent and staff matches (15:00-20:00), a visit from our friends at Youth Football Home, as well as carnival games, a BTEC refreshment stand and evening BBQ, we can’t wait to see our community come together to raise funds for our chosen charitable foundation – Life Home Project.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Thai Culture Club – Term 2

We are delighted to invite our students to join the Thai Culture Club on Saturday, 21 March 2026, from 09:00 to 12:00 at our Cherngtalay campus.

This special morning celebrates Thai culture through engaging and hands-on experiences.

If your child is interested in joining, please contact your child’s Thai teacher for further information and registration. We look forward to welcoming our students to this wonderful cultural event.

Year 11 Introduction to Sixth Form

Thank you to all the Year 11 parents who joined our recent Sixth Form Introduction meeting. The presentation provided a clear overview of the transition into upper secondary, outlining the core purpose of our Sixth Form as a bridge between school and university. We detailed the academic pathways available, explaining the structure and benefits of both our AS and A Level subjects and our BTEC qualifications. Additionally, the session covered Sixth Form entry requirements , the wide range of enrichment opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Student Leadership roles , and our comprehensive university preparation programme designed to support students in securing offers globally. We look forward to partnering with you during this important educational transition.

2026 Sixth Form Introduction to Year 11 Parents

March Parent Meetings at Chaofah City Campus

We invite all parents to join our upcoming programme of Parent Meetings taking place every Tuesday morning this March at the Chaofah City campus. Held from 08:30 to 09:30 in the Primary Hall, this diverse series of workshops is designed to support you across all stages of your child’s education. Whether you are looking to understand Early Years phonics, explore the BTEC curriculum, or navigate critical topics like online safety and teenage mental health, these sessions offer practical guidance. We encourage you to attend and partner with our staff to ensure the continued academic success and personal wellbeing of our students at home and in school.

Taina Denton – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 12

We are delighted to celebrate Taina, who joined HeadStart International School Phuket in 2024 and has secured a Conditional Firm offer from BIMM University to study Popular Music Performance & Songwriting from September 2026. She has also received an offer from The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) London, as well as two offers from the University of Chichester, reflecting the strength of her talent and dedication to the performing arts.

During her time at HeadStart, Taina has fully immersed herself in music, studying BTEC Music and completing an EPQ exploring how different music genres affect the human body. She achieved a Distinction in LAMDA Grade 6, has received Student of the Month and end-of-year awards, and performed extensively in productions including Evita, Little Shop of Horrors, High School Musical and Fame. Alongside private vocal and piano lessons, songwriting workshops and participation in bands and competitions, she has demonstrated confidence, versatility and a genuine passion for performance.

We congratulate Taina on these fantastic achievements and look forward to seeing her continue to pursue her ambition of building a career in the music industry.

Stefan Fabig – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 8

We are proud to celebrate Stefan Fabig, who has been enrolled at HeadStart since 2020 and has received multiple offers in Germany across public administration, policing and history. His offers include programmes in Police Service (B.A.), Public Administration and History at institutions such as Thüringer Fachhochschule für öffentliche Verwaltung, Hochschule der Sächsischen Polizei (FH), Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung, Helmut Schmidt University, and the Bachelor of Laws programme at the Federal Customs Service in Münster, all following a competitive selection process.

During his time at HeadStart, Stefan has distinguished himself through his academic curiosity and independence. Alongside his studies, he has been actively involved in the school orchestra and jazz band, received an award for music, and pursued interests including long-distance running, hiking, scuba diving and language learning. Stefan has also gained valuable professional experience in Germany, working with Fabig-Peters Medizintechnik in 2023 and Uwe Söhlke Steuerberater in 2024, where he developed organisation, resilience and client-facing skills. With his calm determination, strong sense of responsibility and leadership experience as a hiking and tour guide, Stefan leaves HeadStart as a mature and capable young adult. We congratulate him on his achievements and wish him every success in the next stage of his journey.

HeadStart Supports Local Community Mini-marathon

We had a fantastic time at the PPAO Mai Khao Take Off Run this past Sunday, 22nd February!

As a school, we believe in the power of community and we are incredibly proud to have sponsored and participated in such a wonderful local event that brought people together to celebrate health, wellness, and the beautiful island we call home.

Seeing so many local Phuket residents along with HeadStart staff and families running together along the iconic Mai Khao beach was truly inspiring. Thank you to the organizers and everyone who came out to make it such a memorable morning. We are always thrilled to support initiatives that keep our local community active and connected!

📸 A full album of photos can be found here: PPAO Mai Khao Take Off Run 2026

Bridging Worlds: The Young Interpreters Scheme

We are delighted to announce the launch of the Young Interpreters Scheme at our school. This student-led initiative is designed to ensure that every member of our community, regardless of their first language, feels a sense of belonging from their very first day.

What it is
The Young Interpreters are a dedicated group of bilingual and multilingual students who are trained to support peers who are English as an Additional Language learners. Their role goes far beyond simple translation. These ambassadors provide:

Peer mentorship: Helping new students navigate the routines and expectations of secondary school.
Cultural connection: Bridging different backgrounds with empathy and understanding.
Social support: Ensuring that no student feels isolated during break or lunchtime.

Why it matters
In a globalised world, multilingualism is a superpower. By empowering our students to use their home languages, whether Polish, Urdu, Mandarin or Spanish, we are not only helping others develop their English but also celebrating the rich cultural diversity that makes our school unique.

“Being a Young Interpreter means more than just translating words. It is about making sure someone feels seen and heard in a new environment.”

Look out for the Young Interpreter badges around campus. Whether you need help finding a classroom or simply want a friendly chat in your first language, our team is here to help.

U9 Panthers Warm Up for 24 Hours Charity Event

On Monday, our U9 Panthers football teams from both campuses continued their rivalry with a fantastic friendly match-up at our Chaofah City campus. The game was played in a great spirit with lots of technical skill, chances for both teams and no little energy on show. Congratulations to the Chaofah team for their 3-1 win.

Our U9s will join all our HeadStart Panthers Football Academy teams at this weekend’s 24 Hours to Make a Difference event, with 12 hours of football action from 8am-8pm on Saturday following our AquaPanthers Swimfest through the night!

We look forward to welcoming all our players, their families and friends for what promises to be one of the community events of the year. Go Panthers!

Uke-n do it too! Ukulele ECA

Engaging and highly accessible, the Ukulele is the perfect starting point for any young musician. Our Ukulele ECA is designed to nurture student talent, teaching basic technical skills while keeping the experience rewarding and fostering a love of music. From simple strums to full songs, our young musicians make the most of this extracurricular activity.

Chess Tournament

Our 6th Chess Tournament recently concluded with 36 players creating a lively and competitive atmosphere from the very first round. It was wonderful to see so many young talents joining the competition, highlighting the growing passion and quality of play across the school. The competition was fierce, particularly in the U-8 section where a dramatic three-way tie for first place required tight tie-break criteria after three players scored an outstanding 5 points each.

Congratulations to our winners!

• Overall Top 3: Tigran (9 Blue Cherngtalay), Bogdan (6 Blue Chaofah City), and Daniel (10 Green Chaofah City).
• Best Girls: Alicia (12 White Chaofah City), Eliana (4 Yellow Cherngtalay), and Scarlet (2 White Cherngtalay).
• Best U-8 (all 5.0 points): Misha (2 Yellow Cherngtalay), Raphael (2 Blue Cherngtalay), and Shanqi (2 Yellow Cherngtalay).
• Best U-10: Remy (3 Yellow Chaofah City), Vova (4 White Cherngtalay), and Eliana (4 Yellow Cherngtalay).

Year 2 Step Back in Time at the Phuket Mining Museum

During our visit to the Phuket Mining Museum, Year 2 students enjoyed discovering how tin was mined in Phuket long ago. They engaged with the models and pictures and asked insightful questions about what life was like in the past. A lovely moment occurred when the children noticed how the landscape had changed due to mining and shared their own ideas on why they thought that was. One student remarked, “I didn’t know Phuket looked so different before.” Throughout the trip, students demonstrated that they are open-minded and inquisitive by remaining curious, listening carefully, and showing a genuine desire to learn more.

Developing Precision: Non-Standard Units in Year 1

Our Year 1 students showed great focus as they stepped into the role of young mathematicians. During their measurement unit, the children explored how to find the length of different objects using cubes, wooden blocks, and even their own hands and feet!

It was wonderful to see how resilient and collaborative they were. They worked closely together, making sure their objects were lined up perfectly and touching end-to-end to get the most accurate results. This unit wasn’t just about measuring; it was about learning to be patient, careful, and helpful teammates.

HeadStart Students Shine

With our Secondary Head Boy and Girl currently sitting their exams, our Primary Head Boy and Girl have stepped up to lead the flag-raising ceremony for the next five weeks. This past Monday marked their first time taking on this responsibility, and we want to recognize the excellent effort and confidence they demonstrated in guiding the school.

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

• Paul (5 Blue) achieved the Top Gold award in SE Asia, placing first in Thailand and SE Asia for the Year 5 level among 380 candidates at the JMMC Junior Math Mastery Challenge 2025.

• Beatle (2 White) received a Silver award for Year 2 at the JMMC Junior Math Mastery Challenge 2025.

• Focus (5 Blue) earned a Bronze award for Year 5 at the JMMC Junior Math Mastery Challenge 2025.

• Dorofey (3 Yellow) earned a Merit award for Year 4 at the JMMC Junior Math Mastery Challenge 2025.

• Pun (1 Blue) achieved a Merit award for Year 1 at the JMMC Junior Math Mastery Challenge 2025.

• Prach (3 Blue) received a Merit award for Year 3 at the JMMC Junior Math Mastery Challenge 2025.

• Puff (6 White) won two Gold medals in the 4x50m Relay and 4x50m Freestyle Relay (age 10-11 Female), and was named the 9th Outstanding Athlete at the Nakhon Si Thammarat Championship.

• Pie (6 Blue) secured two Gold medals in the 4x50m Relay and 4x50m Freestyle Relay (age 10-11 Female), a Bronze medal in the 50m Freestyle, and was named the 7th Outstanding Athlete at the Nakhon Si Thammarat Championship.

Local Events at ETNA and CLC

Local venues ETNA and CLC have several events scheduled at Boat Avenue Cherngtalay over the coming weeks. From 26–28 February, CLC will host live vocalists and themed performance nights, while ETNA’s schedule includes a traditional dinner and children’s culinary workshops.

• 26–28 Feb: Live performances at CLC, including a solo concert by Misha Marvin and a Lady Gaga vs. Aguilera tribute.

• 28 Feb: ‘Cuisine of the Mountains’ 8-course Caucasus dinner at ETNA (3,000 THB) featuring live traditional music and dance.

• 1 & 15 March: Children’s pastry masterclasses at ETNA (600 THB) providing a hands-on introduction to dessert decoration.

For all enquiries and bookings, please contact the organisers directly at +66 62 620 6591,+7 999 968 5471, or via Telegram@misha_waka.