Weekly Update #36, 12 June 2026

Yearbook and Photo Package Release Date and Time

We invite families to come and collect their free copy of the 2025-2026 Yearbook from Monday, 22 June starting at 15:20 in the Atrium.

Families who ordered photo packages for their children will also be able to collect these along with any additional copies of the Yearbook they ordered. Plese be informed that you must present valid parent ID (i.e. HeadStart Parent ID, passport) to collect your children’s photos. Photo packages will only be given to registered parents of the child.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Long-Serving Staff

On behalf of the entire HeadStart community, we extend our deepest gratitude to our long-serving staff members celebrating 5, 10, and 15 years of service this year. Your loyalty and passion have served as the steady foundation upon which our school has flourished. Whether inspiring students in the classroom, guiding leadership teams, or working tirelessly behind the scenes, your unwavering commitment has been instrumental in shaping HeadStart into the vibrant, successful institution it is today.

While your dedication has consistently pushed our students toward academic excellence, your impact stretches far beyond the classroom walls. You have provided a safe, nurturing environment for a generation of HeadStart students to learn and grow both individually and collectively. Your daily guidance ensures that as our students progress academically, they also develop the confidence, maturity, and strength of character needed to navigate the world beyond our school campus. You have truly embodied our motto of “Inspiring a Love of Learning”.

Celebrating Our Sporting Super Stars!

Celebrating a year of outstanding dedication, progress, and teamwork, we invite our academy players, parents, and coaches to the 2026 Sports Awards! Join us as we recognise the incredible hard work of our student-athletes across the Football, Swimming, and Basketball academies. This year, the event will culminate with an enjoyable Comunity BBQ. Thanks to the many families who pre-registered for this event. To any families who missed the deadline we invite you to join but politely ask for a 100 baht contribution per family member for the BBQ.

As this is a major highlight of our sporting calendar, we kindly ask all academy players to join us and come dressed in their academy travel shirt and academy sports shorts. If a student is unable to make it, please let your respective coach know.”

Year 6 Graduation Ceremony 2026

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. 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 2026

We are delighted to invite students from Year 2 to Year 6 and parents of our award winners (email confirmation sent to all parents of award winners) to our Primary End of Year Awards Ceremony. This special event is to honor the achievements of our Primary students. Join us in celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of our students. We look forward to sharing this memorable occasion with all of you.

Senior Prom 2026

With the exam season over, students in Years 10 to 13 are invited to let down their hair and celebrate the end to a fantastic academic year at the HeadStart Senior Prom 2026. Hosted at the Ramada PlazaonFriday 19th June from 19:00 to 21:00, this special evening is themed Masquerade. It is an excellent opportunity for students to celebrate their hard work and experience a fun, formal evening with their peers including one last chance to wish a fond farewell to our Year 13 Graduating class.

Parent Meeting: Device Policy

Thank you to all the parents who attended our recent Parent Orientation focused on our updated device policy. It was wonderful to connect and discuss these essential updates ahead of the new academic year.

To protect our students’ academic focus and encourage face-to-face socialisation, HeadStart is transitioning to a completely “device-free environment” during school hours. All personal electronic devices—including phones, smartwatches, and headphones—must be switched off and kept completely out of sight from arrival until dismissal. While students may carry devices for their commute, any device seen or heard during the school day will be safely held by the school office until the end of the day. If you need to reach your child urgently, please contact the main office at 076 510 623.

Device Policy Presentation

Building Healthier Digital Habits at Home

Even with built-in safety features, popular apps can occasionally let AI-generated misinformation and inappropriate content slip through the cracks. We know how useful YouTube Kids can be for busy households, but its algorithms can still expose young learners to targeted ads or videos that are not age-appropriate. The platform is also specifically designed to keep children watching, making it hard for them to switch off, which can start to impact their daily routines, studies, and social time.

The good news is that taking charge of your child’s screen time only takes a few quick adjustments. We highly recommend using the app’s parental controls to set specific age brackets, turning off the search function, setting firm time limits, and doing a regular check of their watch history. Combining these simple boundaries with sitting down to watch videos together ensures that digital entertainment stays a safe and positive part of family life.

Anabella Abreu-Counsell (Bella) – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 10

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Anabella Abreu-Counsell, who has received university offers in the United Kingdom to study Psychology as she prepares for the next stage of her academic journey. Anabella has secured offers from Loughborough University, where she has accepted a Conditional Firm place to study Psychology, as well as Nottingham Trent University and University of Leicester.

Enrolled at HeadStart International School since August 2022, Anabella has shown strong academic interest in psychology alongside humanities subjects including History and Literature. Her achievements include receiving Student of the Month awards for both Resilience and Humanities, reflecting her commitment and determination throughout her studies. Beyond the classroom, she has engaged in a wide range of extracurricular and volunteering activities including beach cleans, volunteering at elderly homes, babysitting and caring for younger children, Massolit Psychology lectures and online Psychology courses through Coursera.

Anabella has also gained valuable experience through work placements at NH Boat Lagoon Resort across finance, marketing, food service, housekeeping and IT departments, alongside internship and work experience opportunities in England and volunteering for hospice charities. A resilient, open-minded and hardworking student with excellent communication and listening skills, Anabella hopes to continue developing her passion for psychology at university and beyond. We congratulate Anabella on her achievements so far and wish her every success in her future studies and career aspirations.

Matvei Baranov (Matt) – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 12

We are pleased to celebrate the achievements of Matvei Baranov (Matt), who has secured an offer from Universidad Europea to study Business Management and Entrepreneurship in Valencia.

During his time at HeadStart, Matt has demonstrated a strong interest in business, economics, and entrepreneurship. His academic achievements include recognition as Student of the Month in IT, while his wider interests have included exploring stock investment and cryptocurrency trading. Beyond the classroom, Matt has shown strong leadership and initiative through both sport and work experience. As Basketball Captain, he demonstrated teamwork and responsibility, while his interests in basketball and boxing have helped develop discipline and resilience.

Matt has also gained extensive real-world business experience. At Colezium, a gaming shop in Russia, he progressed from employee to Assistant Manager of Sales within six months. His responsibilities included customer service, staff training and scheduling, financial monitoring, marketing strategy development, social media management, and technical maintenance. During his time there, he contributed to increased revenue growth, expanded the customer base, and helped organise local tournaments. He further developed his business understanding through an internship at Kulika, where he assisted with financial tracking, and by supporting school event sales activities at HeadStart.

Hardworking, patient and analytical, Matt demonstrates strong critical thinking skills and a calm approach to decision-making. He hopes to pursue a future career in finance and entrepreneurship, with ambitions to establish his own hedge fund. We congratulate Matt on his achievement and wish him every success as he progresses to the next stage of his academic journey.

Martin Giffin – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 12

We are pleased to celebrate the achievements of Martin Giffin, who has secured an offer from the Asian Institute of Hospitality Management, Bangkok to study International Business.

During his time at HeadStart, Martin has demonstrated a strong interest in hospitality, business, and sport. Studying BTEC Sport and Business has allowed him to combine his passion for athletics with his growing interest in business operations and management. He has developed practical understanding through hands-on learning and real-world experience, reflecting a mature and career-focused approach to his studies.

Outside the classroom, Martin has shown dedication to sport from a young age, particularly through football and swimming. His enthusiasm for fitness and teamwork has been complemented by valuable work experience in customer-facing environments, including roles at Bravo Pizza and Delta Gym. These experiences helped him develop confidence in communication, customer service, teamwork, and responsibility, while also giving him an appreciation for professionalism and hard work.

Martin is a resilient and hardworking student with strong interpersonal skills and a genuine enthusiasm for the hospitality industry. He hopes to continue developing his experience within business operations and hospitality management in the future. We congratulate Martin on his achievement and wish him every success as he progresses to the next stage of his academic journey.

Araya Jasmine Gilbert – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 10

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Jasmine Gilbert, who has applied to Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès in France to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Colour, Image and Design as she prepares for an exciting future combining creativity, travel and international experience.

Enrolled at HeadStart International School since Year 3, Jasmine has developed a strong interest in business, art and design through her studies in BTEC Business, A Level Art and A Level French. Her experience living in France for a year further strengthened her cultural awareness and passion for languages, while her work managing a school vending machine helped develop practical understanding of business operations and entrepreneurship. Alongside her academic studies, Jasmine has consistently demonstrated creativity and artistic talent through painting, design projects and workshops.

Beyond the classroom, Jasmine has participated in a wide range of extracurricular activities including archery, acrobatic silks, cheerleading, tennis, badminton, surfing and beach clean-up initiatives. Her work experience at an archery range and brewery helped her develop communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills, while also gaining experience coaching beginners and working with customers in professional environments.

Independent, reliable and open-minded, Jasmine is recognised for her positivity, kindness and willingness to learn. She hopes to continue developing her creative skills through future opportunities in design and the arts while gaining valuable international experience living and working in France. We congratulate Jasmine on her achievements so far and wish her every success with her university application and future ambitions.

Taina, Julie and Ingfah: Senior Performing Arts Students

“Our reasons for joining CAPA were mainly passion as we all share a deep love for theatre and the arts which include acting, singing and dancing. For some of us this was a new experience and for others a life long commitment but regardless, we were honored to be given a great opportunity to put ourselves out there. Throughout our years in CAPA, one of our core memories was the full weekend rehearsals, where everything would come together with lights, sets, and a talented orchestra and backstage team creating an unforgettable experience.

The adrenaline rush before entering the stage every performance always hyped us up. With the audience cheering loudly for us, we knew in that moment that all of our hard work for this experience had paid off. As a result, our self-confidence has massively improved. Working in a vibrant, large environment where we can freely express ourselves has taught us to feel more at ease in-front of an audience and to feel more comfortable with ourselves. Ultimately, CAPA showed us the immense value of belonging to a community where we all share a passion for theatre.” Taina, Julie and Ingfah – Class of 2026

Back-to-back victories for our U17s!

The Panthers U17 Boys put in two outstanding performances in our recent fixtures against Lighthouse Football Academy, securing wins both at home and away. It was great to see the team playing some excellent football, showing quality, determination, and teamwork throughout both matches. A big thank you to Lighthouse Football Academy for two competitive and enjoyable games. Well done, boys! Keep up the great work!

U11 Boys Football Festival

Our recent HeadStart U11 Boys Football Festival was a fantastic morning of football, with the sun shining and creating a brilliant atmosphere for everyone involved. The festival followed a round-robin format and featured teams from Chaofah, Cherngtalay, KIS, and UWCT. Every game was highly competitive, with end-to-end action, excellent effort, and some outstanding football on display from all teams. It was great to see the players showcasing their skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the day. A huge thank you goes to all the parents who came along to support the boys and help create such a positive and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Reception Graduation 2026

Watching our Foundation students step across the stage marked the culmination of a year defined by curiosity, growth and newly found independence. From their first tentative steps into the classroom to confidently leading their own play, each child has demonstrated what it means to be Inquisitive, Resilient and Kind. We extend our sincere gratitude to our parents for their unwavering support at home, and to our dedicated teachers for fostering such a nurturing environment throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage! As these children prepare to transition into Year 1, we celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing them tackle their next academic adventure. We could not be prouder of our newest graduates! he Reception Team

Fishing for Change – Upper Primary Casts a Vote for Sustainability

Taking the initiative to shape their school environment, our Eco Ambassadors from Years 4, 5, and 6 (Aya, Darin, Yoorin, Xavier, Cathy, Katie, Nikita, Ollie, Chloe, Shilo, Victoria, and Michaela) planned and delivered a 10-minute presentation evaluating whether salmon or barramundi is the most eco-friendly, sustainable, and healthy option for our school canteen. The students allocated presentation roles and collaborated within their year groups to prepare and deliver their findings during the Upper Primary Assembly. Following a dynamic Q&A session handled expertly by the Ambassadors, a student vote confirmed that over 65% of the audience agreed to switch from salmon to barramundi. Well done to all the Eco Ambassadors for their confident public speaking and for taking such an active role in improving our school’s sustainability.

UKMT Junior Mathematical Challenge Results

Congratulations to our talented mathematicians who achieved Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Participation certificates in the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Junior Mathematical Challenge! This is a prestigious national competition that tests problem-solving and mathematical thinking beyond the standard curriculum. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. Well done to all!

HeadStart Showcases BTEC Provision to Epsom College Malaysia

Highlighting our commitment to high-quality vocational pathways, HeadStart welcomed Olivia Archibald, Assistant Headteacher (Curriculum) from Epsom College Malaysia, for a professional collaboration meeting focused on BTEC delivery. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the comprehensive BTEC provision developed across the school and the practices contributing to successful student outcomes. As a recognised and experienced BTEC centre, HeadStart shared its approach to curriculum delivery, quality assurance, assessment, and student support systems.

During the meeting, our Lead for Vocational Education detailed how we ensure students develop both the academic knowledge and practical skills required for future success. Discussions explored how vocational learning is enhanced through enterprise initiatives, real-world projects, and enrichment opportunities that allow students to apply their learning in authentic contexts. This visit offered a valuable opportunity to share best practice with regional colleagues, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Epsom College Malaysia.

BTEC Work Experience

Bridging classroom theory and professional practice, HeadStart BTEC students recently completed immersive two-week work placements across Phuket. This core vocational component allows learners to apply their knowledge in real-world environments, developing essential skills for higher education and future employment.

Students secured placements reflecting their diverse career aspirations. In hospitality, learners at The Slate and Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort gained first-hand experience in guest relations, event operations, and luxury management. At Aquaria Phuket, students developed visitor engagement and operational support skills. Those exploring modern business operations joined Cyber Space Co-Working for insights into administration and digital services. Meanwhile, creative industry placements saw students working with an online fashion retailer to produce graphic design, promotional content, and digital branding.

Throughout the fortnight, students refined a wealth of transferable skills, including problem-solving, time management, and professional communication. Working alongside industry experts, they learned to meet strict deadlines, strengthening their CVs and exploring potential career pathways. These practical experiences remain a fundamental element of the BTEC qualification, ensuring students are fully prepared for the professional world.

We extend our sincere thanks to the local businesses that generously hosted our students. Your ongoing support is vital in equipping our young people with the real-world skills and confidence to succeed.

Year 10 Enterprise Projects at the Friday Market

Year 10 students took part in a practical enterprise project at the school’s Friday Market. Students worked in teams to develop their own business ideas, conduct market research, plan their finances, create promotional materials, and ultimately sell their products and services to members of the school community. The Friday Market provided an authentic environment where students could apply the theory they had learned in lessons to a real-world setting. By taking responsibility for all aspects of their enterprise, from generating ideas and sourcing products to marketing and customer service, students developed a wide range of valuable employability and entrepreneurial skills.

Throughout the project, students strengthened their communication, teamwork, problem-solving, financial management, and decision-making abilities. They gained first-hand experience of responding to customer feedback, adapting their sales techniques, managing stock levels, and evaluating the success of their business activities. The experience was particularly valuable as it allowed students to understand the challenges and rewards of running a business while developing confidence, resilience, and commercial awareness. Overall, it was an excellent opportunity for experiential learning, encouraging creativity and helping students develop the practical knowledge required for future studies and employment.

HeadStart Students Shine

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

• Jom (2 Blue) 1st Place Free Style Classical Ballet and 1st Place Jazz Free Style Solo Jazz at the SFD International Free Style Dance Competition 2026.

• Hedy (2 White) Under 8 Semifinalist at the Supersports Tennis 10s Championship 2026.

• Nathan (4 Yellow) Under 10 CO-ED Winner Back Draw (3rd Prize) at the UTR Tennis Tournament at BISP Tennis Academy, May 2026.

Around the Island

On the 26th of June, the Green Charity Golf Tournament 2026 will take place in Bangkok. This event is aimedat raising money for youth environmental scholarships and coastal conservation through the Andaman Natural Resources Conservation Foundation. It’s a relaxed day of golf followed by a gala dinner, and there will be a nice mix of people there from the CP Group, Singha Corporation, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Golf Associations, Sport Associations, Thai Lawyer Associations, University, Thai Military and more. It’s a lovely way to support the cause and a good day out, and a fun way to meet some of the others. The guest of honour will be the President of the Privy Council of Thailand, General Surayud Chulanont, who will award the trophies. If you are interested in finding out more, click here to find out more from the official website!