Weekly Update #15, 6 December 2024

Announcements

Parent Fitness Update for Term 2

Dear parents, thank you all for the hard work you have put into your fitness journey with our coaches over the past few months. Everyone has made wonderful progress and we are excited to continue to help you develop over the rest of the academic year! Our coaching team is committed to giving you the best experience we can, so starting in January there will be a change to our Parent Fitness Program. Please see the poster below for new session allocations. Additionally, we would like to welcome Kru Yai to our coaching team - he will be our new yoga instructor for HeadStart Chergtalay Campus!

We are looking forward to seeing many familiar faces in the new year and hopefully some new ones too! If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to Coach Jordi [email protected]

Outstanding Learner Awards

As we learned last week, our Outstanding Learner Award winners for 2024 travelled up to Bangkok to join the Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards Ceremony. Accompanied by Dr. Parimon Phaisamran (School Licensee), Mr Lukats (Secondary Principal) and Mr Davidson (Head of Upper Secondary School), as well as proud family members, our award winners displayed their true qualities as they joined exceptional students from across the region to celebrate their achievements.

This week, we hear from Berta and Krit to find out how HeadStart inspires them to excellence:

Berta Awarded TOP IN ASIA for GCSE Art & Design, Credits Her Teachers for Providing Invaluable Guidance

Reflecting on her successful journey, Berta explained that much of her drive comes from within. “It’s more like a pressure I put onto myself,” she shared, emphasising that she didn’t feel external pressure from her parents to excel. “My parents have never forced me to get good grades. It’s just something I thought might be possible, so why not?”

Berta credits her teachers for providing invaluable guidance, particularly in art, where understanding the deeper meaning of her work was a key focus. “What I think most people miss is the deeper meaning behind your work,” she explained. “Many of my classmates did something because it was pretty or nice, but I focused on the meaning behind it.” This thoughtful approach was something her teachers encouraged, helping her focus on the aspects that examiners look for when grading coursework.

Her commitment to her craft extends beyond the classroom. “I do a lot of hours at home, outside of school,” she revealed, describing how she dedicated weekends and after-school hours to painting and conceptualising her projects. “A lot of people leave groundwork to the last minute, but I think it’s important to do a little bit every day to make it consistent,” she added, emphasising the importance of steady progress.

Though her academic load is demanding—she studies Chemistry, Biology, Maths, and Art—Berta knows the importance of balance. “At the weekends, I try to relax and do sport to disconnect from all the work I’ve put in,” she said, recognising the need for downtime to reduce stress.

Looking toward the future, Berta is uncertain about her exact path but is considering combining her passions. “I’m studying these academic subjects, but Art gives me an artistic outlook,” she explained. She is contemplating a dual honours degree, possibly in Biology and Art, and hopes to study in Europe, seeking a change after spending most of her life in Asia. Whatever path she chooses, Berta’s drive and dedication are sure to carry her far.

Upcoming Events

Foundation Christmas Stay & Play Events

We invite Foundation children and their parents to join our festive Christmas celebrations starting with our Foundation Christmas Stay & Play events. We encourage everyone to dress festively for the occasion and (keep it a secret!) not forget to pay a visit to Santa Claus! Taking place in our Foundation classrooms and the ILC as follows:

• Monday 9th December from 8:30-10:00am - Early Years Christmas Stay & Play

• Tuesday 10th December from 8:30-10:00am - Preschool Christmas Stay & Play

• Wednesday 11th December from 8:30-10:00am - Reception Christmas Stay & Play

Christmas Fair

Welcoming all students and parents to our Christmas Fair taking place on the covered football pitch at HeadStart Cherngtalay campus on Wednesday 11th December from 1:30-3:30pm. There will be performances from all Primary classes starting at 1:30pm after which our CAPA and Secondary students will join in with some musical numbers, games and activities organised for the younger children. We welcome everyone to join the event! Dress in festive colours and enjoy the music, performances, food and drink along with the rest of our community.

Meetings & Presentations

Parent Meeting: Introduction of Secondary Residential Trips

Inviting parents of all Secondary students to a presentation/information session to introduce you to our Secondary Residential Trip program. These trips take place over the week of This workshop will last for about one hour and will take place on Thursday 16th January 2025 in the Secondary ILC from 8:30-9:30am.

Phuket Sunshine Village Fundraiser

Celebrating the Generosity of our School Community

Congratulations HeadStart Cherngtalay children and their families! Our Phuket Sunshine Village Fundraising drive for Term 1 has now ended and we are so proud to announce that, as a school community, we have raised the astonishing total of 304,996 Thai Baht! With the aim of raising 5,000 Thai Baht per PSV child, this means HeadStart Cherngtalay campus has sponsored an incredible 59 children at Phuket Sunshine Village. Special mention goes to all to all the families who made such generous contributions and to our Primary and Secondary students who proved that giving is a gift worth sharing and celebrating!

Combined with the amazing sum of 364,830 Thai Baht raised at our Chaofah City campus, this means the HeadStart community as a whole has raised a truly extraordinary 669,826 Thai Baht for the children of Phuket Sunshine Village! Such a contribution can make a huge difference to the lives of PSV children and serves to strengthen our ties with the local community and develop ways in which we can educate our own students to share the good fortune that we enjoy. This Saturday, 7th December, representatives from our Primary Student Leadership will join with their friends from Chaofah City to pay a visit to Phuket Sunshine Village to run a fun sports day for the children there and to hand over the final cheque. This will be a special time to celebrate the incredible generosity of our school community and see how it contributes to improving the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.

Year 2’s Splashing Success for Phuket Sunshine Village!

This week, our Year 2 students embraced the spirit of giving with a fun-filled fundraiser for Phuket Sunshine Village. In an exciting twist, children sponsored themselves to throw wet sponges at their teachers, with ten chances to hit their target! Adding to the excitement, teachers agreed to jump into the pool if students landed at least five successful throws. The event was a splashing success, bringing laughter, cheers, and a sense of accomplishment as students raised money for a great cause. The total raised by our two Year 2 classes was an amazing 32,602 baht! We are incredibly proud of the children’s enthusiasm and teamwork in making a difference. And to their teachers (and Mr Lawler) for taking the plunge! The Year 2 Teaching Team

Meet the Team

The kitchen staff at HeadStart International School, Phuket plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of students and staff by preparing nutritious and balanced meals and snacks each and every day. They are responsible for catering to a wide range of dietary needs, including vegetarian/vegan requirements and cultural preferences, to ensure all students and staff are well-fed. The team maintains a clean and safe kitchen environment, adhering to strict hygiene standards. Their work also extends beyond meal preparation, as they create a welcoming atmosphere that promotes positive eating habits among our school community.

Next week, we encourage all students and staff to share with our kitchen team some traditional festive cheer as they once again allow their creativity to shine by bringing us a special Christmas menu! Through their dedication, our kitchen staff contributes significantly to the overall HeadStart experience, supporting both the academic and physical development of our students and inspiring a love of delicious food too!

PE & Sports News

Aqua Panthers Invitational 2024: A Spectacular Weekend of Swimming Excellence

Over the weekend of 30th November and 1st December, the HeadStart Cherngtalay campus came alive with the buzz of the Aqua Panthers Invitational 2024 (API2024). With an incredible turnout of 310 swimmers from 11 teams, the event delivered an unforgettable experience for athletes, spectators, and online viewers alike. The atmosphere was electric, fueled by fast swimming, vibrant music, and smiling faces. Athletes showcased their skills and competitive spirit, captivating those in attendance and our live stream audience worldwide. It was a weekend where passion met performance, and the swimmers didn’t disappoint.

This year marked a milestone for API2024 as we welcomed our first international teams: the Killer Whales Elite from the Philippines and St. Johnsbury Academy from South Korea. Their presence added an exciting new dimension to the competition and set a precedent for future meets.

Top Teams

After fierce competition, the top three teams were:

• 🥇 HeadStart Aqua Panthers

• 🥈 British International School Phuket (BISP)

• 🥉 Killer Whales Elite

Individual Stars

The swimmers gave it their all, and the top earners in each age group left their mark:

• 9/10 Years old: Girls - Yasmine H. (HeadStart Aqua Panthers) = 90 points; Boys - Franco L. (Killer Whales Elite, Philippines) = 93 points

• 11/12 Years old: Girls - Ain S. (St. Johnsbury, South Korea) = 96 points; Boys - Pavel K. (HeadStart Aqua Panthers) = 87 points

• 13/14 Years: Girls - Isabella E. (UWC, Thailand) = 93 points; Boys - Namor R. (Samui Sharks, Thailand) = 96 points

• 15 & Over: Girls - Isabella L. (UWC, Thailand) = 87 points; Boys - Peter D. (Killer Whales Elite, Philippines) = 96 points

First Ever Livestream

The weekend also represented a technological milestone for our Swim Academy as we were able to livestream the entire event on both Facebook Live and our YouTube channel for the first time! This meant parents and relatives who couldn’t make it to the event were able to watch and cheer from across the globe! The coverage was phenomenal, and would not have been possible without the incredible support and professionalism of our friends and partners at the Z-Coaching Foundation, in particular Christof Frohs and his dedicated team of camera operators and technicians!

A Huge Thanks

The huge success of the API2024 event would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment and support of the many volunteers - parents, teachers and support staff - who gave up their weekend to ensure all swimmers made it to their races on time, were well fed and watered, and were able to enjoy the competition while the nitty gritty of running such a large scale event took place behind the scenes. Sincere thanks to all who provided a helping hand over the two days!

Looking Ahead

The Aqua Panthers Invitational 2024 was a resounding success, a celebration of talent, camaraderie, and the spirit of competition. We are immensely proud of all the athletes and teams who participated and made this event unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of API2024. We can’t wait to welcome you back for API2025, where the bar will undoubtedly be raised even higher!

Let’s keep making waves together! 🌊

📸 Full album of photos across the two days of competition: API 2024

HeadStart Championship Cup Winners - HeadStart Chaofah City Panthers

The much anticipated U9 Boys HeadStart Championships kicked off on Saturday and the 8 team tournament invited several International schools and Thai academies to compete for the HeadStart Championship Cup!

Joining the tournament were KIS, UWC, BISP, Ao Po School, KT Academy, Republic Academy, as well as our HeadStart Panthers Chaofah and Cherngtalay squads. The games were closely contested and truly engaging to watch. We couldn’t be prouder of our teams and the determination and spirit they displayed throughout the event.

Our HeadStart Cherngtalay team showed remarkable improvement with each match, narrowly missing out with draws against BISP and KIS in the group stages. The HeadStart Chaofah team started well, claiming top spot in their group with impressive teamwork and resilience. They maintained their momentum through the knockout rounds and triumphed in the cup final, securing a 1-0 victory against a tough Republic Academy team.

A massive well done to all the teams involved and an even bigger thank you for all the support from the parents and coaches. Coach Frost - Head Football Coach

Cherngtalay Hosts the Chaofah Boys VAP Team

This week, the HeadStart Cherngtalay Panthers U13 and U11 Boys teams hosted the VAP U13 Choafah Boys team at our Cherngtalay campus to play a friendly fixture against. This match was a great way for teams from both campuses to conclude a football packed Term 1. The match was competitive and exciting. All of the players gave it their all throughout the fixture and showed how much they’ve progressed over the term.

A huge well done to all of the players involved. We wish you all a great Christmas break and we are looking forward to more and more matches and tournaments in term two. Coach Paul - Football Coach

Chaofah City and Cherngtalay U12 Teams Tip Off Against Each Other

The U12 Basketball game between the Chaofah City and Cherngtalay campuses was an exciting showcase of talent, progress, and sportsmanship. Both teams demonstrated tremendous growth, reflecting the hard work they’ve put in during training. The close score kept everyone on the edge of their seats, but more importantly, it was a fun and encouraging environment that highlighted the players’ determination and teamwork. Congratulations to all involved for their commitment to learning and improving both on and off the court!

A parent from the Cherngtalay campus had this heartfelt message to share with Coach Rob:

“This evening’s game between Chaofah City and Cherngtalay campuses was truly thrilling to watch. Although the Chaofah City campus narrowly won with a score of 15 to 14, I believe the match highlighted the incredible progress and spirit of our team under your guidance. Seeing the players’ determination, teamwork, and skill on the court today made us incredibly proud. This achievement is a testament to your hard work, patience, and commitment to their development.”

Languages Department

Year 3 Students Master the Building Blocks of Mandarin

Year 3 students are diving into the fascinating world of Mandarin by mastering 13 simple characters—the building blocks of this ancient language. These characters, many resembling tiny drawings, are like puzzles waiting to be completed.

In class, students have been on a “character rescue mission,” filling in missing strokes to bring these symbols back to life. Each stroke added is met with excitement as they uncover the hidden stories behind these pictographic wonders. With every challenge, they’re not just learning to write—they’re uncovering a whole new way to see the world through the lens of Mandarin!

Foundation

A Festive Celebration at Toddler Playgroup

This week, we welcomed new families to experience the joy and wonder of our Foundation department through a special Christmas-themed Toddler Playgroup. This was a wonderful way for families new to our school to experience first-hand the creativity and sense of enjoyment that is the hallmark of our Foundation stage classrooms. From playing with ice and ‘snow’, to crafting snowmen and reindeer, there was no end of play for toddlers and parents alike! Our next Toddler Playgroup session will be held on Wednesday 15th January 2025. Look out for information on how to sign up in the new year! The Foundation Teaching Team

Primary

An Extraordinary Educational Adventure at Aquaria for Year 6

This week, Year 6 paid a visit to Aquaria in what turned out to be an extraordinary educational adventure that brought marine science to life! As we explored the vibrant underwater exhibits and fascinating rainforest area, our learners demonstrated remarkable curiosity and scientific enthusiasm. Students worked collaboratively, identifying different marine species and carefully observing the unique characteristics of various ecosystems. What truly stood out was the students’ exceptional behaviour – the children were consistently polite, respectful, and engaged, listening attentively to guides and supporting one another throughout the expedition. From the colourful tropical fish to the intricate rainforest displays, every moment provided a valuable opportunity for hands-on learning, allowing our students to connect classroom knowledge with real-world experiences and develop a deeper understanding of the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us. The Year 6 Teaching Team

Secondary

Learner of the Month - Kindness

In November, our learners focused on the learner attribute of the month: being kind. They learned that this means we are empathetic, compassionate, and show respect. We also treat others how we would expect to be treated. It was a tricky month for teachers having to choose just one student each!

Kindness certificates were awarded in each subject and handed out in assembly to the following students:

• CAPA (Art, Drama, DT, Music) - Ella Walker

• Computing - Evelin Grinberg

• EAL - Coco Zhang

• English - Jeason Cong

• Humanities - Mariia Glushko

• Languages (French, Mandarin, Russian) - Kiara Mendes

• Languages (Thai) - Boston Sathitsilp

• Maths - Savva Pikas

• PE & Sport - Fionn Harney de Vries

• Science - Mary Frolova

‘Ms Manning’s Choice’ proved to be a tough decision and in the end, two students were chosen! Max Pimbley and Jina Van Blerk are students who are kind to everyone, demonstrate empathy and compassion by looking after others and always offering support, and treat their peers and teachers with respect. Congratulations to Jina, Max and the rest of the award winners.

In December, we focus on being open-minded; let’s hope our learners are ready to embrace the change of this new learner attribute!

Community Links

Scholars of Sustenance Foundation Thailand is pleased to submit the Monthly Food Surplus Donation Report for November 2024. The data below reflects the significant contribution made by the HeadStart community that directly impacts on the lives of people in Phuket and on our local environment. We thank you for your contributions. Should you need any further information regarding this report, please do not hesitate to contact us by visiting our webpage: Scholars of Sustenance

Scholars of Sustenance report Nov 2024

Promotions From Around the Island

Theatrix Presents “A Christmas Carol: The Panto”

This December, experience the holiday season with a pantomime twist! A Christmas Carol: The Panto brings Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge to life—with a magical, family-friendly dose of humour and holiday cheer—at the Junkyard Theatre in Phuket. Show Details:

• Dates: December 6, 8 (fully booked), 12, 13, and 15
• Time: All shows start at 18:30
• Venue: Junkyard Theatre, Phuket
• Tickets: Adults & Kids THB 750

Book Here: Junkyard Theatre shows

The 4th Annual Flag Football Holiday Bowl

We are 2 weeks away from our 4th Annual Holiday Bowl taking place on 14th December, 2024 at HeadStart International School, Chaofah City campus. We are playing for a cause to help serve underprivileged youth while raising awareness about (the fastest growing Olympic sport) Flag Football. This year our HeadStart Flag Football team will showcase their skills against other teams representing China and Thailand. Come show some support to our Panthers. For more information, please contact Coach Mzuri (M) on tel:+660824658781.