Weekly Update #21, 31 January 2025

Upcoming Events

Calling All Academy Players – 24 Hours to Make a Difference @ Chaofah City Campus

It’s that time again when we rally all of our Academy Players, Coaches, and Parents together in order to raise much-needed funds for our chosen charities in the ‘24 Hours to make a Difference’ event. All academy students are expected to take part in this event, which will take place from 20.00 on Friday, 28th February to 20.00 on Saturday, 1st March 2025 at Chaofah City Campus.

Our AquaPanthers Swim Academy students will lead off the event, swimming through the night from 20:00 on Friday to 08:00 on Saturday morning. At 08:00, our Panthers Football Academy players will take over, with matches taking place throughout Saturday until 20:00. Panthers Basketball Academy players will then join in the fun from 14:00 until 20:00 on both courts. For the final 3 hours (17:00 – 20:00), our Academy players will be joined by both parent and staff teams for some fun games to see out the event.

• Swim Academy Students: 20:00 on Friday 28th February – 08:00 on Saturday 1st March

• Football Academy Students: 08:00 – 20:00 on Saturday 1st March

• Basketball Academy Students: 14:00 – 20:00 on Saturday 1st March

To celebrate the achievements of our Academy students in their efforts to raise funds this year, there will be a community BBQ event from 18:00 – 20:00 with free food for players, parents and coaches. There will also be refreshments for sale courtesy of our BTEC Business students, with all proceeds going to the ‘24 Hours to Make a Difference’ funds. This event will take place between the lower Astro-pitch and outdoor Basketball court and along the running track. All academy students, parents, coaches and staff are welcome to attend and make this a memorable culmination to our sporting endeavours.

Nominated Foundations for 2025

We are delighted that the Head Coaches, along with our Secondary Student Leadership, have nominated the following two foundations this year for sponsorship:

• Youth Football Home

• North Andaman Network Foundation

All funds raised will be shared equally between these two foundations who each do important work in their respective fields.

Meetings & Presentations

A Special Free Parent Event – Let’s Co-Play! at Cherngtalay Campus

Inviting all parents from across Phuket to attend a unique parent event hosted by Greg Bottrill, renowned childhood advocate and best-selling author of ‘Can I Go & Play Now?’. This will be an engaging and insightful presentation for parents in which he will explore the power of play in building stronger connections with your child, offering tips and advice.

📆 Date: Tuesday 11th February 2025

⏰ Time: 12:45-13:45

📍 Venue: HeadStart International School, Phuket (Cherngtalay Campus)

The event is open to all parents, particularly those of Foundation and Year 1 & 2 parents. Registration is required. To register for you and up to 4 other adults, scan the QR code in the poster below or complete the GoogleForm: Let’s Co-Play Parent Event Registration

Helping Your Child with Behaviour Parent Workshop

Inviting all parents of Primary students to a workshop about how best to support your child with managing their behaviour both at school and at home. Join us on Thursday 6th February at 8:30am in the Secondary ILC.

HeadStart Alumni

Class of 2022 – Esther Herbold

Since graduating from Headstart in 2022, I have experienced many sweet moments. I began by attending a one-year Bible school in Texas, where I deepened my religious knowledge through studying the Bible and its history. Following that, I had the incredible opportunity to travel for a semester, broadening my perspective and gaining valuable life experiences. My passion for working with diverse communities led me to a full-time position in the public schools of Grand Forks, North Dakota, where I support new immigrant and multilingual students as they learn English. Having once moved to a foreign country myself — Thailand — I deeply understand the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language. This experience has allowed me to connect with my students in a personal and meaningful way, helping to ease their transition to life in the United States, even amidst difficult circumstances. Additionally, I now serve full-time at my church as the Nursery and Preschool Coordinator, where I get to invest in the lives of young children —something I am incredibly passionate about. Through each of these experiences, I have been able to grow personally, serve others, and create many fun memories.

PE & Sports News

Year 7-9 Sports Day

The PE team and all the students are starting to get excited for our upcoming Sports Day! Please find below all the information you and your child need to know:

• Date: Friday, 7th February

• Time: 08:30-15:00

• Location: on the Astro Pitch and at the Swimming Pool

On the day, please ensure that your child brings their water bottle and wears their House Shirt, PE shorts, sports shoes, a hat and/or sunblock and they have their swimming kit for the afternoon swim gala. Parents are also welcome to come and watch their children participate, but we kindly ask you to ensure you sit in the designated parents seating areas and do not interfere with the running of the event.

Thank you. We look forward to seeing you there! Mr Walker – PE Coordinator

Languages Department

Exploring the Richness of Russian Folk Tales!

Over the past two weeks, our literature lessons have been a fascinating journey through the folk traditions of different regions of Russia. We explored tales from various ethnic minorities, including the Mansi, Udege, Bashkir, and Amur cultures. Through reading and watching these stories, students discovered how folk tales reflect the values, beliefs, and way of life of different peoples.

After engaging discussions about recurring themes, magical elements, and moral lessons, our students worked on an exciting project-based activity. They recreated the plot of a chosen folk tale and brought it to life by designing a movie line strip, visually mapping out key events like a storyboard. This creative approach helped them think about storytelling structure, character development, and artistic interpretation.

It was a fantastic way to connect literature with culture and creativity! We are proud of our students’ efforts and their deeper appreciation of folk traditions.

Foundation

Lunar New Year Stay & Play

Thank you to all the families who joined us to celebrate the Lunar New Year – Year of the Snake 🐍! It was a joy to see parents and children come together to write wishes for the Wish Tree, take part in a lively dragon dance. Our Stay & Play sessions are one of our favorite ways to connect with our school community, bringing families together to create lasting memories and share special moments. We can’t wait to welcome you back for more fun. The Foundation Team

📸 Please find a full album of photos here: Foundation Lunar Year Year Stay & Play 2025

Lunar New Year Toddler Playgroup

Thank you to all the families who joined us for our latest Toddler Playgroup, coming together for a morning of fun activities, creativity, and connection. Our Lunar New Year inspired crafts were the perfect way to wrap up this month’s sessions. Stay tuned for details about next month’s playgroup — we can’t wait to see you again!

Primary

Year 5 Go Interplanetary at the Planetarium

Year 5 went to the Planetarium at BCIS School as part of their Science topic ‘Earth and Space’. The planetarium shows and quizzes were very exciting and brought the students’ studies to life as well as inspiring lots of further learning and inquiry. We even looked at the sun through a very special telescope! Mr Carroll and Mrs Williams – Year 5 Teachers

Year 6 Science Health & Fitness Workshop for Parents

Year 6 students showcased their scientific knowledge in an engaging health and fitness workshop for parents. The young scientists demonstrated their understanding of the circulatory system, expertly explaining how blood flows through the body and the intricate workings of the heart. They explored the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and exercise, while also examining the impacts of smoking and alcohol on the circulatory system. Through their informative displays, which included detailed diagrams, models, and interactive games, students demonstrated truly collaborative teamwork. Their courageous approach to presenting and answering questions from the audience was impressive, while their open minded attitude to learning made this workshop a remarkable success. The Year 6 Team

Secondary

An Unforgettable Adventure: Year 8’s Khao Sok Expedition

From the moment we set off on our three-day journey to Khao Sok, it was clear that this would be an experience like no other. The sheer excitement and anticipation among our students were palpable, and as the days unfolded, we were treated to an adventure that will be etched in our memories forever. This trip was more than just an excursion; it was a transformative experience filled with discovery, friendship, and awe-inspiring moments that we will cherish for a lifetime.

Immersed in Nature’s Majesty

The adventure began with a breathtaking introduction to the natural wonders of Khao Sok. Kayaking along the tranquil waters of Cheow Lan Lake was a highlight, as students paddled through towering limestone cliffs and lush rainforest, marveling at the serene beauty around them. For many, this was a first-time experience, one that fostered confidence, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for nature.

Hiking through the dense jungle was another unforgettable challenge. Led by experienced guides, students navigated winding trails, encountering fascinating wildlife and learning about the delicate ecosystem of Khao Sok. As the sun set, the magic of the rainforest transformed our experience during the night safari. The thrill of spotting nocturnal creatures and listening to the symphony of nature left everyone in awe.

Unparalleled Moments of Joy

Of all the unique encounters on our trip, none was as unexpected or amusing as the sight of a man dressed as Spider-Man selling ice creams to people on their boats. This quirky, spontaneous moment became an instant favorite among students and staff alike, adding a touch of humor and lightheartedness to our adventure.

Sleeping in raft houses was another highlight that left a lasting impression. The peacefulness of the lake at night, the gentle lapping of water beneath our floating accommodations, and the sight of the stars reflected in the still waters created an atmosphere of absolute tranquility. This experience deepened friendships, as students bonded over shared stories and laughter, reinforcing the importance of connection and camaraderie.

Building Bridges Beyond Borders

A particularly meaningful part of our trip was our visit to Ratchapraphawittayakom School in Surat Thani. Here, our students had the incredible opportunity to interact with their peers, engaging in cultural exchanges that transcended language barriers. The warmth and hospitality extended to us were overwhelming, and the friendships formed during this visit will undoubtedly endure. It was a powerful reminder of the universal nature of human connection and the impact that meaningful interactions can have on our global perspective.

A Journey That Will Never Be Forgotten

As we returned to Phuket, it was evident that this was more than just a school trip—it was a journey of growth, exploration, and profound connection. The experiences we shared in Khao Sok have left an indelible mark on each of us, fostering resilience, appreciation for the natural world, and friendships that will last a lifetime. The children loved every moment, and many declared it the best trip of their lives.

This adventure will be talked about for years to come, not just as an extraordinary school excursion, but as a defining moment in our students’ lives. It was truly the trip of a lifetime—one that we will never forget.

📸 Please find a full album of photos here: Year 8 Khao Sok

Getting Hands-on with Evaporation and Distillation in the Year 8 Science Lab

Year 8 students explored separation techniques in a recent science class! Through hands-on experiments with evaporation and distillation, they learned how to separate solutions effectively. A fantastic opportunity to observe scientific processes in action! Mr Gossland – KS3 Science Teacher

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