Weekly Update #35, 05 June 2026

Last Day of All ECAs and Academies – Wednesday 10 June

Please be informed that all Term 2 & 3 ECAs (HeadStart ECAs, Fee Paid Programmes, CAPA & Academies) finish on Wednesday 10th June. From Thursday 11th June until the end of term, school will end at 15:20 for all students.

Library Information To Students and Parents

The end of this academic year is swiftly approaching, and we aim to provide you with detailed information on book returns so you can plan ahead. Please be aware that after the indicated dates, any books remaining under student or parent accounts will be considered lost, and an invoice will be issued accordingly. Thank you for your co-operation.

Used Book Sale

Expand your home library and support independent study with our highly affordable second-hand textbook sale! The school library is currently offering a selection of older edition textbooks that, while no longer used in the daily curriculum, remain excellent resources for revision, extra practice, and personal learning.

Reception Graduation Ceremony 2026

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

𝐀 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔!

Our Class of 2026 is fast approaching a truly special milestone, and we look forward to sharing it with them and their families next week.

Over the last few weeks, our Year 13 graduates have not only completed their final A Level exams, submitted outstanding BTEC assignments and put the finishing touches to university applications and onward plans; they have also contributed wholeheartedly to their own graduation event, showing up for filming, planning speeches and making the most of their final weeks at HeadStart. Not as individuals, but as a collective.

This group of students has consistently demonstrated resilience, compassion, and determination throughout their time at HeadStart. They have embraced challenges, taken opportunities to grow, both inside and beyond the classroom, and made significant contributions to the wider school community. But what sets this cohort apart is their unwavering support for each other and the enjoyment they take from their shared experiences, demonstrating the character and confidence to be successful whatever they choose to do next.

📅 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: Thursday 11 June 2026

🕒 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 1:00pm – 2:45pm

📍 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Sports Hall, Chaofah City Campus

‘Once Upon a Dance’ Showcase

Step into a world of magic, music, and imagination at our “Once Upon a Dance” recital. Join us as our talented dancers bring beloved Disney-inspired stories to life through enchanting choreography, colorful costumes, and unforgettable performances. From classic fairy tales to modern favorites, this show promises fun, laughter, and a touch of pixie dust for the whole family. Don’t miss this magical celebration of dance!

• Time: 14:00
• Date: 13 June 2026
• Location: Sports Hall, Chaofah Campus
• Price: 300/350 THB
• Book Now: Secure your seats and book your tickets here!

Give Blood, Save Lives at the HeadStart Community Blood Drive!

Join the Thai Red Cross at our Chaofah City Campus and make a critical difference for patients in need across Thailand. Every donation counts.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, 19th June 2026
• Time: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
• Location: Chaofah City Campus
• Current Need: All blood types (especially Rh-negative)

Year 6 Transition Meeting

A huge thank you to all the parents who joined us on 2 June for our Year 6 to Year 7 Transition Meeting. It was wonderful to come together and explore the exciting journey ahead for your children. During the session, we introduced our Secondary leadership team and talked through the practicalities of Secondary life, from understanding the new Homeroom structure to managing break times and homework expectations. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure every student feels happy, supported, and confident as they navigate this big milestone. To build this strong foundation, we took a closer look at our pastoral care network – highlighting how our dedicated Homeroom teachers and Pastoral Coordinators work together to champion and guide your children every day, ensuring they have the environment they need to achieve their best.

On the academic side, we walked through what the Key Stage 3 journey actually looks like day-to-day. Year 7 brings the English National Curriculum to life with a much wider range of subjects to grab their interest. Alongside the usual core of English, maths, and science, students will spend time in specialist classrooms for the creative arts, design technology, and computing. It is a healthy balance of rigorous classroom learning, practical project work, and encouraging them to take ownership of their studies. We are now eagerly looking forward to welcoming the Year 6 students for their official Taster Day on 9 June, where they will get to experience a bespoke secondary schedule and meet their new teachers first-hand!

Year 6 to 7 Transition Parents Meeting 2026

Revised Device Policy Presentation – Presented By Headmaster, Mr Adam Drew

Inviting parents of all students to join us for a presentation by Headmaster, Mr Adam Drew, to go over our very important revised Device Policy. As students’ digital habits evolve, our guidelines must adapt to ensure a safe and focused learning environment. This important session will outline the key policy changes and what these updates mean for your child. We highly encourage all parents attend this meeting.

Alon Poplawski – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 12

We are pleased to celebrate the achievements of Alon Poplawski, who has secured multiple offers to study Business and Management in the United Kingdom. Alon has received offers from Anglia Ruskin University, Bournemouth University, the University of Brighton, the University of Kent, and the University of Portsmouth. He is also applying to Australia and is awaiting offers.

During his time at HeadStart, Alon has combined his academic studies with a strong passion for music and performance. Studying BTEC Music, he has developed his interests in music production while also taking private lessons in drums, guitar, and bass. He has performed regularly through Battle of the Bands and Live Lounge events, and also participated in a remembrance service performance in Singapore.

Alongside his musical achievements, Alon has been heavily involved in the swimming academy since 2019, captaining two swim teams and representing HeadStart in international competition in Singapore. He has further contributed to the school community by coaching younger swimmers and serving as an Eco Prefect, helping to support environmentally friendly initiatives within the school.

Alon has demonstrated strong leadership, teamwork and commitment throughout his time at HeadStart. He hopes to pursue a future career in music production or artist management. We congratulate Alon on his achievements and wish him every success as he progresses to the next stage of his academic journey.

Yufei Lin (Evelyn) – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 10

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of Yufei, who has received and accepted a conditional offer from Monash University Malaysia to study the Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication commencing in October 2026.

Enrolled at HeadStart since August 2022, Yufei has developed an impressive portfolio of creative and artistic interests both inside and outside the classroom. Her extracurricular involvement includes Fine Art and Sculpture ECA, photography, video editing, Photoshop design, 3D modelling and article writing, alongside a wide range of creative handcraft projects including tufting, lampworking and clay work. She has also demonstrated commitment to personal wellbeing through fitness, Thai boxing and an interest in healthy meal planning. Her achievement of the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award further reflects her resilience, dedication and willingness to challenge herself beyond academics.

Yufei has contributed positively to the wider school community through her role as a prefect and through several leadership and service opportunities. Her experiences include tutoring younger children, assisting at the HeadStart Summer Camp as a Chinese language assistant, managing customer design orders using Photoshop and hosting international guests as a landlord. These experiences have strengthened her communication, organisation and interpersonal skills while highlighting her patience, empathy and bilingual abilities.

A creative and thoughtful student with a strong international outlook, Yufei hopes to gain valuable global experience through studying abroad and pursuing opportunities within the creative and digital media industries. We congratulate Yufei on her achievements and wish her every success as she begins this exciting next chapter at Monash University Malaysia.

Seungha Lee – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 7

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Seungha, who has been a valued member of the HeadStart community since June 2020. Seungha is currently applying to leading universities in South Korea, including Handong Global University, Sungkyunkwan University, Dongguk University, Kookmin University, and Soongsil University with aspirations to study Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and Global Leadership.

Throughout her time at HeadStart, Seungha has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and leadership. Her accolades include an IGCSE Subject Award for English Literature, multiple Thai Etiquette Awards, Bronze Awards in the Thailand International Mathematical Olympiad and National Scientific Thinking Challenge, alongside participation in the British Biology Olympiad. Beyond the classroom, she has contributed extensively to school and community life through CAPA productions, Dance Academy, Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award completion, volunteering projects, beach cleans, and performances as guitarist in the band “Baroque n Roll.”

Seungha has also been an exceptional student leader, serving as Head Girl and leading the student-run volunteering organisation “Sunny Side Up.” She has organised children’s camps, led community service initiatives, delivered speeches during important school events, and represented the school in numerous cultural and charitable activities. Her work experience at Bangkok Siriroj Hospital and recognition within the School Apprenticeship Project further reflect her maturity, compassion, and strong interest in the sciences.

Hard-working, articulate, and deeply community-minded, Seungha has made a lasting impact on the HeadStart community. We congratulate her on all she has achieved and wish her every success as she begins the next stage of her academic journey.

Jumpei Ota (Jun) – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 9

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of Jun, who has received university offers in Japan and continues to await decisions from several highly regarded institutions as he prepares for the next stage of his academic journey. Jun has secured offers from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and Temple University Kyoto, and is currently awaiting further outcomes from Waseda University School of International Liberal Studies and Sophia University.

Enrolled at HeadStart since August 2021, Jun has consistently demonstrated resilience, collaboration and a willingness to challenge himself both academically and beyond the classroom. Studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Geography, he has complemented his studies with a wide range of extracurricular commitments including five years in the Football Academy, participation in Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards, sailing, gardening, powerlifting and bodybuilding, music and community service through Sunnyside Up, where he helped teach English to local Thai children.

Jun has also shown strong leadership qualities as Head Coordinator of Photography for Sunnyside Up and as captain of his sailing crew, guiding and directing fellow students during team activities. His experiences outside school include participating in a cultural and agricultural exchange programme in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, where he gained insight into rural community life and sustainable farming practices, as well as supporting younger students through the HeadStart Summer Camp programme. A respectful, resilient and adventurous student, Jun aspires to build a successful future that balances professional achievement with a fulfilling and meaningful life.

We congratulate Jun on his accomplishments so far and wish him every success as he continues through the university admissions process and beyond.

Chaofah City AquaPanthers @ Patana Summer Sizzle!

Wishing all our HeadStart Aqua Panthers Academy swimmers taking part in this weekend’s Patana Summer Sizzle meet in Bangkok the very best of luck! Go Aqua Panthers!

A Triumphant End to the Year for U9 Football

Our U9 Chaofah City Football Team played three games over the past week, facing off against teams from Srisoonthorn Academy, HeadStart Cherngtalay, and ISP. As well as the high quality of football on show, the players displayed their chosen HeadStart Learner Attributes of being Courageous, Collaborative, and Kind in spades. It was a fantastic way to see off what has been a very successful year for our youngest team! Coach Dave – Football Coach

Final Community Beach Clean of the Year

Sincere thanks to all the families and teachers who turned out for the final community beach clean event of the year at Rawai last Sunday. Such a fantastic communal effort is testament to our school’s commitment to give back to our beautiful island home.

This was also a time to say our thanks and goodbyes to Mr Gratton, the Founder of HeadStart Eco School, and his family, as well as Petr (Head Prefect of Eco), as we celebrated their contribution to this initiative that goes from strength to strength each school year. The baton, in the shape of a plastic bottle, has now been passed to Ms Coddington-Wiratunga as she takes the lead next academic year.

We look forward to our community’s continued support as we strive to make a lasting difference to the island of Phuket and its surrounding seas.

Battle of the Bands

Rock music history was made at our recent Battle of the Bands! Every performer brought an infectious energy, turning the school day into an incredibly fun, engaging show. From Pop Crackle and Snap’s Rasputin to the final encore of the Graduates, their musical talent was undeniable, but it was their outstanding confidence on stage that was inspiring everyone.

Did you know that you’re my hero? You are the wind beneath my wings. Rock on!

Red Phoenixes Take the Crown

A massive congratulations to the overall House Winners for Terms 2 & 3: the Red Phoenixes!To celebrate this win, students from Year 1 all the way through to Year 13 will be rewarded with a special trip to the cinema. There will be a choice of two different movies for our winners to enjoy. Secondary students, please keep an eye on your school emails to cast your vote for the movie choices very soon!Mr Walker and Ms Bekker – House Coordinators

Exploring Antarctica in the Year 1 Assembly

Stepping into the icy world of Antarctica, Year 1 students took to the stage to share their new geographical discoveries through song, poetry, and public speaking. It was brilliant to see all three classes being so Collaborative and Creative as they taught the audience about the continent’s climate and wildlife, even getting parents on their feet to join in the activities!

Speaking in front of a large crowd is a big milestone, and the children were incredibly Courageous and Resilient throughout their rehearsals and the final show. We are incredibly proud of all the Year 1 children for the energy, effort and positivity they brought to the assembly. Thank you to all the families who joined us and helped make the event so special. The Year 1 Team

Primary Team Excels at PISAC Maths Competition

Congratulations to our PISAC Maths Competition team of Year 3 to Year 6 keen mathematicians, who enjoyed a fantastic day of problem-solving and teamwork last Friday! Alongside their impressive mathematical achievements, the students represented the school brilliantly, showing enthusiasm, respect, and excellent sportsmanship throughout the event. Their hard work paid off with an outstanding third-place finish overall, as well as several impressive individual successes. Well done to everyone who took part!

Year 6 Transition – A message from our Head of English

The older I get, the more I realise that everything is connected. Subjects connect with one another; texts speak to images; themes echo across centuries; and, perhaps most importantly, people learn through the connections they make with others. It is through recognising and exploring these links that deeper understanding emerges.

With that in mind, it seemed entirely appropriate to invite three of our A Level English students to work with Year 6 as they explored U.A. Fanthorpe’s Not My Best Side alongside Paolo Uccello’s medieval painting St. George and the Dragon. Together, they traced connections between literature and art, poetry and painting, past and present. Just as importantly, they forged connections between students at different stages of their educational journeys.

Connections made. Perspectives shared. The baton passed to the next generation. Mr. Pollicutt – Head of English

Year 13 BTEC Students Complete Final Educational Visit at Rebel Rock Climbing

As part of their final year of study, HeadStart’s Year 13 BTEC Sport and BTEC Travel & Tourism students recently enjoyed a visit to Rebel Rock Climbing, providing a fitting conclusion to their vocational learning journey.

For BTEC Sport students, the experience offered an opportunity to apply their understanding of participation, fitness, risk assessment, leadership, and the physical demands of alternative sports in a real-world environment. Meanwhile, BTEC Travel & Tourism students explored the role of adventure tourism within the visitor economy, examining how attractions create memorable customer experiences and contribute to Thailand’s growing tourism sector.

Throughout their BTEC programmes, educational visits such as this have played a vital role in bringing classroom learning to life. By engaging directly with industry professionals and experiencing businesses first-hand, students have been able to develop practical knowledge, strengthen employability skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the sectors they may pursue in the future.

As they prepare to graduate, this final trip served as both a celebration of their achievements and a reminder of the valuable real-world experiences that have supported their learning throughout their BTEC journey.

HeadStart’s Ms Jones Invited as Pearson Guest Speaker for APAC Higher Education Webinar

HeadStart’s Lead for Vocational Education, Ms Jones, was invited by Pearson to speak as a guest presenter at the APAC webinar, “Future-Ready Graduates: Aligning Higher Education with Workforce Needs.” The webinar brought together education leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss how institutions can better prepare students for employment through industry-relevant, skills-focused learning.

Drawing on her experience leading vocational education at HeadStart, Ms Jones shared insights into the importance of applied learning, employability skills, and real-world assessment in helping students become career-ready graduates. Her invitation reflects the strength of HeadStart’s vocational programmes and the school’s commitment to providing students with pathways that successfully connect education with future career opportunities.

Phuket University Counsellors Meeting

On 4 June, university guidance professionals from international schools across Phuket gathered at HeadStart for the inaugural Phuket University Counsellors (PUC) Consortium meeting. The event marked the beginning of a collaborative network designed to strengthen university guidance provision for students and families across the island. Counsellors shared critical information on upcoming university fairs, admissions trends, scholarship opportunities, and application pathways to destinations including the UK, the USA, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand.

Crucially, discussions focused on the increasing use of educational agents, the impact of AI on university admissions, and how schools can work more closely together to support students throughout the application process. For parents, the key outcome of this consortium is that schools across Phuket are actively strengthening communication, sharing expertise, and collaborating directly with universities worldwide. Ultimately, this ensures HeadStart students have access to the most up-to-date guidance and the widest possible range of higher education opportunities.

Balance Bike Update

Join us for a fun balance bike competition for kids aged 2 to 7 years old at Porto de Phuket Balance Bike Fun Race 2026 on Saturday 20 June 2026! There are five competitions for 5 age groups.

Porto de Phuket Balance Bike Fun Race 2026 จัดโดย Porto de Phuket / Cruzee Bike / K Park Phuket ร่วมสนับสนุนการจัดกิจกรรมโดย Gymboree Play & Music Phuket / A Little Club / Guriongym Taekwondo / SAM Singapore Math K Park Phuket / Pearl Hotel Phuket / ท้ายเหมือง ร้านอาหารพื้นเมืองภูเก็ต

Story Time – Puppets & Play