Weekly Update #26, 20 March 2026

Last Day of All Term 2 ECAs and Academies – Friday 27th March

Please be informed that all Term 2 ECAs (HeadStart ECAs, Fee Paid Programmes, CAPA & Academies) finish on Friday 27th March. From Monday 30th March until the end of term, school will end at 15:20 for all students. Please refer to our ECA calendar or visit the ECA page of our website for more information.

A Commitment to Zero Waste and Community Support

At HeadStart, we are proud to ensure that no food goes to waste across our campuses. Through our ongoing partnership with the Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) foundation, our Food Service Committee coordinates the redistribution of good-quality, surplus meals to vulnerable communities around the island, including private and government care facilities such as foster homes.

This initiative allows us to promote sustainability while actively supporting those in need. To achieve our zero-waste goals, our daily food management includes:

• Donating safe, surplus food directly to the SOS foundation for redistribution.

• Partnering with local farmers to collect our lunch food scraps.

• Repurposing these scraps as animal feed at farms across Phuket.

Set Sail for Motunui: Tickets for Moana Still Available

The heartbeat of Motunui is getting louder on the Chaofah Campus! Our CAPA Junior performers have been working tirelessly, and after months of rehearsals, the production is looking—and sounding—absolutely magical. There are now less than three weeks until we take to the stage.

As of today, Friday 6th March, the wait is over! While our cast families have already begun securing their spots, tickets are now officially available to our school community. Whether you have a student in the show or just want to witness an evening of incredible talent and courage, we warmly invite you to join us.

• Performance Dates: Wednesday 25th March & Thursday 26th March
• Time: 5:00 PM
• Doors open: 4:40 PM
• Location: Chaofah City Campus
• How to Book: Moana Ticket Booking Form

Secure your seats today to ensure you don’t miss this story of discovery and heart.

Community Beach Clean @ Nai Harn

Let’s come together as a school community to protect our beautiful island surroundings and contribute to keeping our island pristine. We look forward to welcoming families to our next Community Beach Clean at Nai Harn on Sunday 29 March at 9:30 am. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to our local environment while enjoying a rewarding morning outdoors. Please bring water, suncream, a hat, and reusable gloves if you prefer to wear them, and we will provide the collection bags. Remember to wear your House shirt, as every participant will earn valuable House points for their attendance.

Save the Date! Songkran Festival 2026

Join us for a joyous Songkran celebration! Come together for a vibrant celebration of Thai culture at our Annual Songkran Festival on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd April, 2026!

Let’s embrace this beautiful tradition as a community, create unforgettable memories, and enjoy the festivities. Don’t forget to wear your flowery shirts, mark your calendars, and get ready for an amazing time! Find more details in the poster below:

Songkran Market

To bring to an end another busy and highly successful school term at our Chaofah City campus, we will hold a special Songkran Market. This is your opportunity to try some traditional Thai food and drinks, as well as pick up locally crafted products. See you in the Atrium from 15:00 on Thursday 2nd April.

Songkran Sports Camps

Over the Songkran holiday break, our three sports academies are offering 3 days of training to help keep your child fit and healthy, continuing to improve their skills and develop friendships through their chosen sport. There are Swim camps at both campuses on Friday 3rd, Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th April as well as swimming lessons for children in Preschool to Year 4 at our Chaofah City campus. The Football and Basketball camps will take place from Monday 6th to Wednesday 8th Aprilat our Chaofah City campus. Contact our Head Coaches or scan the relevant QR code in the posters below.

World Book Day

On 23 April, World Book Day returns to HeadStart Chaofah Campus, and we’re inviting our whole school community to become part of the story!

Students from Foundation, Primary, and Secondary are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite literary characters or famous writers: whether you’re a classic hero, a magical adventurer, or a legendary author. Our teachers will also be dusting off their novels and putting on their literary hats by joining in the costume fun.

So don’t judge this event by its cover: start planning your outfit now! Use your break times wisely to make sure you’re booked and ready to impress on the day. We can’t wait to see everyone bring their favourite stories to life!

Staying Safe Online: A Parent Workshop

Thank you to all the parents who joined our recent ‘Staying Safe Online’ workshop. During the session, we explored how the internet and AI can be great places for learning, while also discussing the critical risks associated with online content, contact, conduct, and commerce. We highlighted the importance of familiarising ourselves with the apps our children use and understanding the risks of strangers sending private messages on popular platforms like TikTok, Roblox, Minecraft, Snapchat, and Instagram.

A key focus of the presentation was managing screen time and safeguarding student wellbeing. We advise parents to maintain open, non-judgemental conversations about their children’s online lives, set clear boundaries using family tech planners, and utilise in-device parental controls. Furthermore, we strongly recommend avoiding passive, fast-paced, short-form videos across all age groups to help protect children’s attention spans and memory.

Please find a copy of the presentation below 👇

HSC Staying Safe Online Parent Workshop 2026

UPrep Talk: A Parent Perspective on the University Journey

This week’s UPrep Talk offered a particularly special opportunity for our community, as we welcomed two parent speakers to share their firsthand experiences of supporting children through the university journey.

We were honoured to hear from Mr Jazon Edouard, the school’s Founder and CEO and father of five, alongside a virtual talk from Mr Nick Cunningham, whose son graduated from HeadStart last year and is now studying at the University of Leeds. Together, they provided an honest and thoughtful reflection on the realities of navigating applications, making decisions, and ultimately preparing young people for independence.

A key theme throughout the session was the importance of balance – knowing when to guide, when to step back, and how to gradually build students’ confidence to manage their own journey. Both speakers highlighted that while offers and destinations matter, developing independence, resilience, and self-awareness is just as important for long-term success.

Thank you to our guest speakers for sharing so openly, and to the parents who joined us for such a reflective and meaningful session.

If you would like to access more information about how best to support your child with their future pathways and university applications, please visit our UPrep Prpgramme page, or contact a member of the UPrep team.

Talk 13 2025 26 Studying in the UK the Netherlands a parent to parent talk

Upcoming Tuesday Parent Meetings

We warmly invite parents to join our upcoming Tuesday morning meetings at the Chaofah City campus. Over the next few weeks, we will be hosting informative sessions in the Primary Hall from 08:30, covering a range of important topics to support your child’s journey. Next week’s meeting is a dedicated Thai-language workshop focused on navigating teenagers and mental health. We look forward to welcoming you to these sessions to share valuable insights and connect with our school community.

Navigating the Digital World: The Pros and Cons of Roblox

As our students increasingly engage with digital platforms like Roblox, ensuring their online wellbeing remains a top priority for our school community. Unlike traditional video games, Roblox is a vast universe of millions of user-created “experiences,” which brings unique opportunities for creativity but also specific risks. Because content is often self-rated by creators and moderation is largely automated, students may inadvertently encounter mature themes or inappropriate interactions. By understanding these dynamics, we can help our students navigate this popular platform safely and responsibly.

Tackling these digital challenges requires a collaborative approach between home and school. We encourage parents to be proactive by utilizing Roblox’s parental controls to limit communication features and manage in-game spending on “Robux.” It is equally important to keep the lines of communication open; having regular, non-judgemental chats about their gaming experiences—or even playing together—can help you stay informed about who they are talking to and what they are seeing. Setting clear boundaries around screen time can also help prevent the risk of addiction and ensure that gaming doesn’t interfere with sleep or schoolwork.

We understand that keeping up with the latest digital trends can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone in this journey. To provide further support, we have attached a comprehensive guide from National Online Safety this week, offering practical tips on managing chat settings, identifying risks, and fostering open dialogue with your child. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s online safety or would like guidance on implementing these safeguards, please feel free to reach out to our Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral) Ms Cusworth ([email protected]). We are always here to support you and your family.

Chatchaya Udomkiratak (Baikao) – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 9

We are delighted to share that Baikao has received an outstanding range of university offers to study Medicinal Chemistry and related scientific fields. These include offers from the University of York, the University of East Anglia, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Bath and the University of Manchester, alongside offers from medical programmes including CICM Medical School and the joint SWU – University of Nottingham programme in Thailand. These offers reflect Baikao’s exceptional academic ability and her strong commitment to scientific research since joining HeadStart International School Phuket in August 2021.

During her time at HeadStart, Baikao has demonstrated a deep passion for science, particularly chemistry. She recently completed an Extended Project Qualification exploring the question “To what extent can liposomes enhance cancer treatment?”, highlighting her interest in pharmaceutical and medical chemistry. Her research achievements include presenting and publishing a study at the 63rd Kasetsart University Annual Conference on innovative approaches to understanding mitosis, as well as receiving a Gold Medal at the Srinakharinwirot University Research Conference (2025). She has also been recognised with a Gold Medal in the Scientific Thinking Challenge and awards in the UKMT Mathematics Challenges.

Beyond the classroom, Baikao has contributed actively to school and community life through her involvement in the Student Council, the Interact Project and the Sunny Side Up leadership team. She has also participated in a CERN collaboration project, delivered science talks and gained valuable experience through medical shadowing at Navamin 9 Hospital and Siriroj Hospital, alongside laboratory assistance work. Congratulations to Baikao on this impressive set of offers, and we wish her every success as she prepares for the next stage of her academic journey in medicine and research.

Oskar Theander – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 2

We are proud to share that Oskar has received an excellent range of university offers to study Sports Management and Sports Science in the UK. These include offers from the University of Portsmouth, the University of Brighton, Liverpool John Moores University, Leeds Beckett University and the University of Kent. These offers reflect Oskar’s long-standing passion for sport and recognise the dedication he has shown both academically and through his involvement in school athletics during his time at HeadStart International School Phuket, where he has been a student since August 2014.

Throughout his time at HeadStart, Oskar has distinguished himself through his outstanding sporting achievements. He was recognised as Overall Sportsperson of the Year in 2024 and has been a key member of the school’s Football Academy for many years. His commitment and performance have earned him numerous football honours, including Player of the Year, two Coaches’ Awards and two Most Improved Player awards. In addition, Oskar has taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme and was recognised with a Student of the Month award, highlighting both his determination and positive attitude towards school life.

Beyond the classroom, Oskar has demonstrated strong leadership and community spirit. As captain of the school football team for several years, he has shown excellent leadership and teamwork. He has also volunteered with the Sunny Side Up project, helping to teach English to underprivileged children in Thailand, and participated in beach clean initiatives. Oskar further broadened his experience through work experience at the Pullman Hotel, where he gained insight into the hospitality and service industry. Congratulations to Oskar on this impressive set of offers. We wish him every success as he prepares to begin the next stage of his academic journey in sport.

Celebrating our Global Community at HeadStart

Over consecutive Fridays in March 2026, our Chaofah City and Cherngtalay campuses each hosted a vibrant and exciting celebration for International Day. Both events brought together students, staff, and parents in a colourful display of global cultures, traditions, and customs. The corners of each campus were filled with the sounds, smells, and sights of different countries, as students and their families proudly showcased their heritage through performances, delicious foods, and informative displays. Each day was a beautiful reminder of the diversity that makes the HeadStart community so unique, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, respect, and global understanding – memorable occasions that highlighted the importance of celebrating and embracing cultures from around the world.

Sincere thanks to everyone (too many to name here) who made each event the incredible success that they truly were. We can’t wait until next year’s International Day celebrations!

Strategic Success: Record Turnout at Our March Chess Tournament

Our latest chess tournament was a resounding success, setting a new milestone with a record 52 players competing. It was incredibly rewarding to witness such high levels of energy, focus, and sportsmanship across all boards. We saw a particularly strong turnout from our younger students, with 15 players in the Under 8 category and 8 in the Under 10 group bringing fantastic enthusiasm to the event. The U-8 section provided some of the most thrilling moments of the day, culminating in a tense tie-break to decide the winner after a fiercely contested race.

Congratulations to all participants for their resilience and fighting spirit. A special well done to our top performers:

• Overall Top 3: Georgiy (6 Blue Chaofah City), Ikkyu (7 White Chaofah City), and Tigran (9 Blue Cherngtalay).

• Best Girls: Poppy (9 White Chaofah City), Sofiia (3 White Chaofah City), and Eliana (4 Yellow Cherngtalay).

• Best U-8: Beatle (2 White Chaofah City), Alexander (2 Blue Chaofah City), and Raphael (2 Blue Cherngtalay).

• Best U-10: Remy (3 Yellow Chaofah City), Sofiia (3 White Chaofah City), and Eliana (4 Yellow Cherngtalay).

Congratulations to all participants for their sportsmanship, focus, and fighting spirit. We’re proud to see the tournament growing — not just in numbers, but in passion and quality of play! And we are already looking forward to the next competition on Saturday 25 April!

Crafting Confidence and Creativity

Creative and calming, Sewing is a fantastic choice for students looking to enhance their focus, patience, and design skills. Our ECA offers a perfect balance of practical skill-building and personal expression. Whether mastering foundational techniques, detailing with intricate embroidery, or constructing unique textile pieces, students thrive in this supportive and relaxing environment.

A Special Visit from the Local Police

Foundation and Year 1 students enjoyed a very special visit from six of our local police officers, who spent time teaching the children about the importance of staying safe and protecting our community. The children were fascinated to see the officers’ special equipment and learn how it is used in their everyday work. The highlight of the morning came when the officers revealed their police car, van, and motorbike. All of the children, and even some teachers, had the memorable opportunity to explore the vehicles and sit inside, making it an unforgettable hands-on learning experience.

Year 10 Travel and Tourism Students Visit The Slate Phuket

Year 10 Travel and Tourism students recently visited The Slate Phuket to gain practical insight into the hospitality industry. The site inspection covered essential elements of their curriculum, introducing them to the daily operations of a high-quality resort. Students examined how the hotel uses unique design and branding to attract international visitors, alongside analyzing their service culture and sustainability practices.

Following the tour, students participated in a detailed discussion regarding the challenges of hotel management and the standards required in the industry. By engaging directly with professionals, students were able to anchor their textbook learning to concrete examples. We would like to thank The Slate for facilitating this highly educational visit and supporting our students’ academic development.

Year 8 Science Fair: Celebrating Academic Inquiry and Imagination

The Year 8 Science Fair was a fantastic showcase of our students’ growing scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills. Over the past term, students took ownership of their learning by designing independent investigations, collecting and analysing data, and synthesising their findings into detailed presentations. The quality of the research was highly impressive, demonstrating a deep understanding of the scientific method and building confidence as students explained their complex work to teachers, parents, and peers.

We would like to extend a huge congratulations to all our Year 8 scientists for their outstanding dedication, and a special thank you to the Science Team for mentoring them through this rigorous process. As philosopher John Dewey noted, “Every great advance in Science has issued from a new audacity of imagination.” We look forward to seeing this imagination continue at the Year 7 Science Fair on 20th March.

Special Awards

• Most Engaging Poster (voted by Ms Uhure): How do different temperatures affect amylase efficiency? – Buahom, Sienna, Pun, Alysia

• Community Spirit Award (voted by Mrs Davidson): Which is better: natural or chemical disinfectants? – Jan, Anna, Emily, Alice

• Best Use of Data (voted by Mr Davidson): Can paper aeroplanes accurately model structural integrity principles used in aerospace engineering? – Harry, Arthur, Mason, Pokpong, Prem

• Excellence in Scientific Inquiry (voted by the Science Team): How do different temperatures affect amylase efficiency? – Buahom, Sienna, Pun, Alysia

• People’s Choice Award (voted by the school community): How do different temperatures affect amylase efficiency? – Buahom, Sienna, Pun, Alysia

• Year 13 Choice Award – Future Scientist (judged by Year 13 science students): How successful is DNA extraction in different fruits? – Sophie, Amari, Ciara, Arya, ErikaMs Owen’s Class Awards

• How successful is DNA extraction in different fruits? – Sophie, Amari, Ciara, Arya, Erika

• How do different temperatures affect amylase efficiency?– Buahom, Sienna, Pun, AlysiaMr Richardson’s Class Awards

• Comparing the accuracy of litmus paper to natural indicators – Yingying, Leo, Aarav, Captain

• Does exercise affect boys and girls differently? – Mili, Susie, Angela, Sebastien

• Which household liquids glow under UV light? – May May, Krit, Noona, Jajah, Alysia

Mr Simons’s Class Awards:

• How does the colour of the cup affect heat absorption? – Kwankao, Lukenai, Cheawon, Freya, Ikkyu

At HeadStart, science is more than a subject; it is a way of thinking, questioning, and understanding the world around us. The Year 8 Science Fair gives students the opportunity to step into the role of young scientists by designing investigations, collecting data, and presenting their findings with confidence and creativity. This year, the People’s Choice Award was awarded to Buahom, Sienna, Pun, and Alysia for their project, How do different temperatures affect amylase efficiency?

Their investigation stood out for combining thoughtful scientific inquiry with an engaging presentation that captured the interest of peers, parents, and teachers alike. Chosen by public vote, this award recognises a project that not only informed its audience, but also sparked curiosity and enthusiasm for science. Well done to our Year 8 scientists!

Phuket International Maths Challenge (PIMC)

HeadStart recently took part in the Phuket International Maths Challenge (PIMC), hosted by UWC Phuket. Entering 12 students across two year groups — 6 from Year 7 and 6 from Year 9 – the event brought together the strongest mathematicians from BISP, UWC Thailand and KISP. With students from all four schools working together in mixed teams, this was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate, problem-solve, and make new friends with like-minded students from across Phuket’s international school community.

HeadStart’s Maths Challengers were:

• Year 7: Dodo, Simon and Terence (7 Yellow), Ivan, Ikkyu and Veronika (7 White)

• Year 9: Natcha, Emmali and Vera (9 Blue), Iron (9 Yellow), Louie and Mingbo (9 White)

HeadStart Students Shine

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

• Prach(3 Blue) successfully passed the ABRSM Initial Grade Piano exam with ‘Distinction,’ the highest possible level of achievement. This international certification from the UK recognizes his exceptional musical skills and performance quality.

• Hedy(2 White) reached the semi-finals at the 46th Tecnifibre Schools Tennis 10s & Juniors Tournament 2026 in Pattaya, Chonburi.

• Well done to Tiger, Puth, Legend, Sophie, Vale, and Proud who were all finalists of the Thai Etiquette Internal Competition and will represent the school at the Provincial Competition in June 2026.

• Congratulations to our Primary students who were victorious in the recent Times Table Rockstars ‘FOBISIA Rocks!’ competition as our young mathematicians competed against their peers in other FOBISIA schools around the region. Within HeadStart Primary department, 6 Blue classfinished in first place with5 Yellowa close second. Well done to the following students for placing in the top 3: 🥇Bogdan(6 Blue), 🥈Nyk(5 Yellow), 🥉Tigger(5 Yellow)

Sign Up for Phuket’s Premier Running Event

We are delighted to share an opportunity for members of the HeadStart community to join one of Phuket’s most popular international running events – the Phuket Laguna Marathon. Organised by one of our very own HeadStart families, this year’s event promises to be a wonderful celebration of community and fitness with options for all the family. Taking place over the weekend of 13-14 June 2026, there are shorter distance races for young runners and those new to the sport, while the main event will take place in Sunday 14 June. Scan the QR code in the poster and use the the code to get a special 10% discount on the registration available to all HeadStart families.

March Dining Events at ETNA and CLC

This month, ETNA and CLC invite you to celebrate the harmony of culinary heritage and fine dining, woven together by the lakeside breeze of Boat Avenue.

• Throughout March: ‘Georgian Month’ at ETNA. Explore the legacy of the mountains with traditional dishes like Khachapuri, paired with ancient amber wines from Shumi Winery.

• 21 March: Château Angélus Dinner at CLC (11,700 THB). Beginning at 7:00 PM, this exclusive 5-course dinner features iconic vintage pairings guided personally by the estate’s Export Director.

For all enquiries and reservations, please contact the venues directly at 062 620 6591,+7 999 968 5471, or via Telegram@misha_waka.

A Night of Theatre for HeadStart Families: “The See Saw Tree”

HeadStart families are warmly invited to enjoy “The See Saw Tree,” a beloved environmental play brought to life in a special co-production by Theatrix Thailand and The Litter Club. Running at Junkyard Theatre (next to IKEA) from 6:30pm to 8:00pm on April 30, as well as May 1, 3, 7, 8, and 10, this inspiring production blends storytelling, music, and live theatre. It is a fantastic opportunity for our community to enjoy an evening out while exploring important themes of environmental responsibility. Tickets are 500 THB for students and 650 THB for adults, with a 10% discount for groups of ten or more. For details or to book, please visit www.thelitterclub.org/events or contact Joel (0936 490 066) or Josh (0966 396 252).