Weekly Update #25, 13 March 2026

Inspire the Next Generation: Host a Year 11 Student for Work Experience

Our HeadStart community is filled with diverse and successful professionals, and we are looking to you to help inspire our Year 11 students. From 8-12 June 2026, we are running our annual Work Experience programme, and we need welcoming environments where our students can learn.

By hosting a student at your workplace, you provide them with an invaluable glimpse into the professional world. It is a fantastic opportunity for our parent community to actively participate in shaping the futures of our young adults and share the realities of your industry.

If your organisation can offer a placement for this one-week period, please reach out to Ms. Khan ([email protected]). Your involvement makes a significant difference to their educational journey and is greatly appreciated.

Come Join our Term 2 Thai Culture Club

We are delighted to invite our Thai national students to join our Term 2 Thai Culture Club on Saturday, 21 March 2026, from 09:00 to 12:00 at our Cherngtalay campus. This special morning celebrates our local heritage through engaging and hands-on experiences.

If your child is interested in taking part, please contact their Thai teacher for further information and registration. We look forward to welcoming our students for a wonderful morning of cultural connection.

Russian Language Day Term 2

We invite everyone to celebrate Russian Language Day, which will take place at our Cherngtalay Campus on 28 March from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Program highlights:

• Talent show

• Workshops

• A shared meal

To participate in the talent show, prior registration is required, as the number of performers is limited by the duration of the event. Please make sure to register in advance.

We would greatly appreciate it if each family could contribute to the shared table by bringing a traditional dish or drink.

To attend the event, please complete the registration form. This will help us organize the celebration more effectively:

We look forward to seeing you!

Приглашаем всех желающих на День русского языка, который состоится 28 марта с 9:00 до 12:00 в кампусе Cherngtalay.

В программе:

• фестиваль талантов;

• увлекательные мастер-классы;

• cовместный обед в тёплой и дружеской атмосфере.

Для участия в шоу талантов необходима предварительная регистрация, так как количество выступающих ограничено временем проведения праздника. Просим зарегистрироваться заранее.

Мы будем признательны, если каждая семья внесет вклад в общий стол, подготовив традиционное блюдо или напиток.

Для участия просим заполнить регистрационную форму. Это поможет нам организовать мероприятие более эффективно.

С нетерпением ждём встречи с вами!

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:

Navigating the Digital World: Combating Online Bullying Together

As our students increasingly navigate the digital world, protecting their online wellbeing is a vital priority for our school community. Online bullying, defined as ongoing hurtful behaviour towards someone online, can take many forms and severely impact a young person’s mental health. By understanding these challenges and proactively fostering safe digital environments, we can help our students feel secure, confident, and supported both in and out of school.

Tackling this issue requires a collaborative approach between home and school. We encourage parents to stay vigilant by observing their child’s behaviour after using technology and noting any signs of anxiety or withdrawal. Keeping the lines of communication open is equally important; regular, non-judgemental chats about their digital lives can make it easier for children to open up if an incident occurs. Furthermore, empowering your child to use online reporting tools or block offenders gives them a sense of control, while reinforcing that you are always there to support them.

We understand that managing these online challenges can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate them alone. To provide ongoing support, we have attached a comprehensive guide from National Online Safety this week, offering practical tips on how to identify and combat cyber-bullying. If you have any immediate concerns about your child’s online wellbeing or would like further guidance on supporting them, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Turner-King ([email protected]) at any time. We are always here to support you and your family.

Jessica Manton – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 7

We are delighted to share that Jessica Manton has received an excellent set of university offers to study Contemporary Music Performance and related courses in the UK. These include offers from BIMM Brighton, Bath Spa University, Goldsmiths – University of London and the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) London. These offers recognise Jessica’s dedication to developing her musical ability and creative performance skills throughout her time at school.

Since joining HeadStart in August 2019, Jessica has demonstrated a strong commitment to music and the performing arts. She has developed her musicianship through regular drum and piano lessons and achieved notable success through school music events, including placing second in Battle of the Bands. Her creative contributions have also been recognised with two CAPA HeadStart awards and multiple Student of the Month awards. Jessica’s wider achievements include receiving the IGCSE Travel and Tourism Subject Award and completing the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, where she also took on the role of team leader.

Beyond her academic studies, Jessica has been an active member of the school community. She contributes through volunteering, including supporting younger students in Reception and Early Years and participating in beach clean initiatives. She has also gained valuable practical experience through work experience at NH Boat Lagoon Resort, further developing organisational and communication skills relevant to her interest in events management. Congratulations to Jessica on this impressive range of offers. We wish her every success as she prepares for the next stage of her journey in music and the creative industries.

Matilda Wright – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 12

We are delighted to share that Matilda Wright has received an impressive set of offers to study Criminology and related subjects in the UK. These include offers from the University of Exeter, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool, University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

During her time at HeadStart, Matilda has developed a strong academic interest in criminology and psychology. She is currently completing an Extended Project Qualification exploring the impact of eyewitness testimony in legal trials, demonstrating thoughtful research and analytical thinking around real-world legal issues. She also won the Apprentice challenge in Y12 with Bain & Co.

Beyond the classroom, Matilda has contributed to school life through her involvement in Student Council and participation in the Football Academy and football ECA. Congratulations to Matilda on receiving this excellent range of offers. We wish her every success as she prepares to begin the next stage of her academic journey in criminology.

24 Hours to Make a Difference: A Triumph of Community and Sport

Thank you to all the Academy athletes, coaches, and parents who rallied together for our ‘24 Hours to Make a Difference’ event at the Chaofah City Campus. From the AquaPanthers swimming through the night to our football and basketball academies competing tirelessly throughout Saturday, the dedication shown by our students was an excellent display of resilience and teamwork. It was rewarding to see our community unite at the culminating BBQ, celebrating these sporting achievements while successfully raising vital funds for the Life Home Project to support vulnerable children and families here in Phuket.

We are proud to announce that the total raised was a fantastic 355,700 Thai baht. This money will be delivered to our chosen foundation – Life Home Project – so that they can begin the urgent work needed on their facilities. Congratulations to the following students who managed to contribute the highest donation for their respective academy:Swimming – Aisha (7 Blue Cherngtalay) and Lissy (10 Blue Chaofah City)
Football – Kaitlyn (10 Blue Chaofah City)
Basketball – Phoenix (6 Blue Chaofah City)

Check out the video below for the highlights of one of HeadStart’s most exciting community events of the year!

Sustainability ECA

Our sustainability ECA empowers students to become proactive stewards of our planet through engaging, hands-on projects. From crafting recycled products to building essential habitats for local wildlife, the team is learning how to translate environmental awareness into real-world action. We are incredibly proud to see our students collaborating to lead the way in educating others and making a positive difference for the future.

Aqua Panthers Secure Second Place at BISP Invitational

This past weekend, 102 of our Aqua Panthers competed in the BISP Sea Eagles Invitational against 16 teams from 8 different countries. Our swimmers delivered an outstanding performance, finishing 2nd overall with a massive 1,724 points. A true testament to the daily dedication of our athletes and coaches, the team broke an incredible 14 school records and secured numerous personal best times across the weekend.

A special congratulations to our High Point award winners:

• Alisa (4 White Chaofah City): 1st place, 8 & Under Girls

• Yasmin (7 Yellow Chaofah City): 1st place, 11-12 Girls

• Fima (8 Blue Chaofah City): 2nd place, 11-12 Boys

• Lochy (4 Blue Cherngtalay): 3rd place High Point, 8 & Under Boys

We are incredibly proud of the effort and determination shown by every swimmer, and we extend a huge thank you to the families who came to support them. We look forward to seeing everyone poolside for the PISAC Championships on the weekend of 8-10 May! Coach Brown – Head Swim Coach

HeadStart Students Selected for Provincial Thai Etiquette Competition

The Thai Department proudly hosted its Annual Internal Thai Etiquette Competition on 11 March 2026. This meaningful event celebrates the grace of Thai culture, encouraging students to demonstrate traditional values, develop self-discipline, and appreciate Thailand’s rich heritage. We are delighted to recognise the following students for their dedication and confidence, who have now been selected to represent HeadStart at the upcoming Provincial Level Competition:

• Reception: Mateo, Chertin, Nicholas, Polly, Ada, and Adalynn

• Lower Primary: Leon, Skye, Talay, Areeya, Zai-Taung, and Sophia

• Upper Primary: Ian, Chawin, Arjun, Jessica, Anpun, and Jolie

• Lower Secondary: Max, Dylan, Aulara, and Freya

A heartfelt thank you to Khun Nannapat, our HeadStart parent, for kindly serving as a judge, and to all parents for their continued encouragement. Your support plays an important role in helping our students grow in cultural pride. Congratulations to all participants, and we wish our representatives the very best of luck at the provincial level!

📸 A full album of photos can be found here: Thai Etiquette 2026

Year 5 EAL Medical Role-Play

The Year 5 EAL classroom transformed into a mini-clinic this week as pupils explored the topic of “Visiting the Doctor.” To consolidate their learning of health and illness vocabulary, pupils engaged in a structured role-play activity. Working in pairs, they took turns acting as the doctor and the patient. This practical application allowed students to actively practise both their speaking and listening skills. By asking about symptoms and offering simple advice, pupils confidently applied their new English vocabulary to a meaningful, real-life scenario.

Cheetahs Take First Place in Primary House Target Challenge

For this Friday’s Primary House activity, students focused on their hand-eye coordination as they aimed to toss balls into the scoring boxes. It took a bit of courage to step up in front of the group, and plenty of resilience to stay positive after a few bounces didn’t go their way. While the Tigers tried really hard and put up a great fight, the Cheetahs ultimately finished in first place.

Early Years Pizza-Making Field Trip @ the Flying Lizard

Our Early Years students recently enjoyed a wonderful hands-on field trip to visit our friends at the Flying Lizard cafe. The children stepped into the role of chefs for the morning, learning the step-by-step process of making pizzas. They took great care in choosing their own toppings, engaging their senses and making independent choices.

A big thank you to the team at the Flying Lizard for hosting us. The Early Years Team

Celebrating Creativity and House Points

We were proud to celebrate our Students of the Month for Creativity, recognising those who have shown imagination, originality, and a willingness to think differently in their learning. Throughout their lessons, these students have approached challenges with curiosity and confidence, finding new ways to solve problems and express their ideas. Their creativity not only strengthens their own learning but also inspires those around them. Their enthusiasm reminds us that learning often begins with a spark of imagination.

Alongside this, we were delighted to present our latest House Point awards, celebrating the many students who continue to demonstrate our learner attributes across the school day. An impressive 41 students achieved their Bronze Award (50 House Points) and 10 students reached the Silver Award (100 House Points)—a fantastic milestone that reflects their consistent effort and positive contribution to the school community.

A special congratulations goes to Leo and Lara, who have reached the outstanding Gold House Point Award. Their dedication and commitment to earning House Points throughout the year is a wonderful example for others to follow.

The challenge now continues for everyone—can anyone achieve the Diamond Award of 250 House Points before the end of the academic year? Keep showing our learner attributes, keep supporting one another, and most importantly, keep earning those House Points!

HeadStart Students Shine

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

• Lea (2 Yellow) won 1st place and was crowned national champion at the French Sambo National Championships (Wrestling) in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

• Sagit (7 Blue) earned 2nd place (silver) and the title of national vice champion at the French Sambo National Championships in France.

• Daniil (3 White) also secured the national vice champion title at the French Sambo National Championships in France.

• Raphael (2 Blue) achieved 2nd place in the U-8 Division at the HeadStart International School Chess Tournament.

• Eliana (4 Yellow) achieved 2nd place in the Female Division at the HeadStart International School Chess Tournament.

• Teddy (1 Blue) successfully participated in the TAKEoff Run Minimarathon, organized by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization.

• Milo (2 White) finished as the Boys Runner-Up in the Tennis 10s U-8 tournament at Kahli Phuket.

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 shoter 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 HeadStart families.

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).