Weekly Update #27, 27 March 2026

Last Day of All Term 2 ECAs and Academies – Today!

Please be informed that all Term 2 ECAs (HeadStart ECAs, Fee Paid Programmes, CAPA & Academies) finish today, Friday 27th March. FromMonday 30th March until the end of term, school will end at 15:20 for all students. Please refer to our ECA calendar or visit the ECA page of our website for more information.

Yearbook Photo Package Promotion

We are delighted to announce that this year, all HeadStart parents have the opportunity to purchase their child’s Yearbook photos, as well as pre-order their family’s free copy of the 2025-2026 Yearbook (and purchase additional copies if required).

There are two photo package options: Package 1 (600 THB)containing your child’s individual and class photos displayed in the HeadStart Photo Folder; andPackage 2 (1,050 THB) containing your child’s individual and class photos displayed in the HeadStart Photo Folder, plus additional class photos, a set of passport photos, and a flash drive containing digital copies of all your child’s Yearbook photoshoot images.

For our Year 6 and Year 13 graduating classes, we are also offering a Graduation Special Package (200 THB), which includes your child’s individual graduation photo and class graduation image (when ordered alongside Package 2, these digital files will also be added to the flash drive). This option is not available to parents of Reception children via this ordering system; however, our Reception children’s graduation photos will be shared via the Tapestry portal as usual in Term 3.

We invite you to create an account at the online HeadStart Shop: https://shop.headstartphuket.com/, from where you can place photo package orders for all your children. Please find below instructions on how to create an account, add your children’s details, and place your order in English, Thai, Russian, and Mandarin.

Once we have received your order, your copy of the Yearbook and photos will be available for collection from 15:30 on Monday, 22 June. Please be informed that photo packages will only be handed to the legal parent or guardian of a child on presentation of a valid HeadStart Parent ID card or other acceptable form of identification (e.g., driving licence, passport).

We look forward to receiving your order and sharing these special keepsakes of your child’s time at HeadStart.

Summer Camp 2026

We are delighted to offer an exclusive 25% discount for HeadStart pupils enrolling in the HeadStart Summer Camp 2026.

If you are looking for a dynamic and engaging way to keep your children—and their friends—active this summer, our holiday camp offers a carefully curated programme of activities, weekly trips, and a wide range of options to choose from. It’s an excellent opportunity for children to stay active, build friendships, and create lasting memories.

Hosted at the Chaofah City Campus, the 6-week programme offers flexibility to suit your summer plans:

• Weeks 1–2 (Ages 4–11): A smaller, more relaxed camp featuring exclusively HeadStart-led activities. Ideal for Phuket-based families, while remaining open to all.

• Weeks 3–6 (Ages 4–14): A larger, more vibrant camp with an expanded range of classes, including additional options from our in-house and external providers, welcoming both local and international participants.

Children aged 3 who have been enrolled in school this academic year are also welcome.

Please check your inbox for full details on how to access the 25% discount when making your booking. We look forward to welcoming your child this summer. Visit our website for more information: https://headstartphuket.com/additional-programmes/summer-camp

Cherngtalay Parent Committee Term 2 Meeting

On Wednesday, 4th March 2026, the HeadStart Cherngtalay Parent Committee held their Term 2 meeting with the school’s management team. We are grateful to our parent members for their contributions and for working with us for the betterment of our school and its wider community. Outcomes from the meeting can be found here: HeadStart Cherngtalay Campus Parent Committee Meeting Notes

For more information about the HeadStart Parent Committee, including its role and involvement in working with our school leadership, please visit our website: HeadStart Parent Committee.

Songkran Festival and Water Play

Just a quick reminder that our annual Songkran Festival takes place on Wednesday 1standThursday 2nd April. We are looking forward to bringing the HeadStart community together to celebrate Thai culture in a vibrant and engaging way. Remember to wear your colourful flowery shirts for the occasion! Our celebrations begin early on Wednesday morning with a food offering to the monks on the Football Pitch from 7:15 to 7:50, and continue on Thursday with a special Songkran Assembly at 14:20.

Following these traditional ‘Tham Bun’ merit-making ceremonies to honour Thai heritage, students will enjoy our popular water play activities. To ensure a safe and fun experience, water play is scheduled by year group across both days during Thai classes. Remember to pack a change of clothes. We cannot wait to celebrate with you!

Songkran Market

To mark the end of a busy school term, we invite our community to join us for a special Songkran Market on Thursday 2nd April. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic Thai culture through a variety of traditional food and drinks, alongside a selection of locally crafted products. Please join us on theSecondary Lawn (next to the Astro) from 14:40 to celebrate together before the holiday break.

Keep Active this Songkran with HeadStart Sports Camps

Not sure how to keep the kids active this Songkran? Let them burn off that holiday energy with HeadStart’s Sports Camps!

Over three days of focused training, our expert coaches go beyond simply running drills. They help our young athletes master new skills, build genuine resilience, and forge cross-campus friendships. Whether they are perfecting a stroke in the pool or pushing through a tough basketball session, your child will return from the break stronger, more confident, and proud of their progress.

Camp Details:

• Swim Camp (Cherngtalay Campus): Friday 3rd, Monday 6th, and Tuesday 7th April.

• Football & Basketball Camps (Chaofah City Campus): Monday 6th to Wednesday 8th April.

Transport to and from the City campus will be provided depending on demand. Contact our Head Coaches or scan the relevant QR code in the posters below to secure your child’s spot!

World Book Day

On Thursday 23 April, World Book Day returns to HeadStart Cherngtalay Campus, and we’re inviting our whole school community to become part of the story!

Students from Foundation, Primary, and Secondary are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite literary characters or famous writers: whether you’re a classic hero, a magical adventurer, or a legendary author. Our teachers will also be dusting off their novels and putting on their literary hats by joining in the costume fun.

So don’t judge this event by its cover: start planning your outfit now! Use your break times wisely to make sure you’re booked and ready to impress on the day. We can’t wait to see everyone bring their favourite stories to life!

World Book Day Costume Swap Shop

With a focus on reusing and recycling, the HeadStart Cherngtalay Parent Committee would like to facilitate a Costume Swap Shop – an opportunity for families to exchange a previously worn costume for something different this year. If you would like to join, there will be a Swap Shop desk in the Atrium (main entrance) each morning and afternoon from Monday 30 March to Wednesday 1 April. Please make sure costumes are clean and in a good state of repair – leave one, take one policy. For more information, contact the Parent Committee at [email protected]

Secondary Science Fair

We are delighted to invite all parents to our Secondary Science Fair, taking place this Friday, 24th Marchfrom14:20 to 15:20 in the Secondary ILC.

This is an excellent opportunity for our Secondary students to showcase their work, allowing parents to explore the displays and speak directly with the students about their projects.

We hope you can join us to celebrate the creativity, curiosity, and hard work of our Secondary scientists.

Save the Date: HeadStart Junior Prom 2026

Students in Years 7 to 9 are invited to celebrate a fantastic academic year at the HeadStart Junior Prom 2026. Hosted at the Ramada Plazaon the24th of April from 18:00 to 20:00, this special evening offers an aurora-inspired setting for our students. This event provides an excellent opportunity for students to celebrate their hard work and experience a fun, formal evening with their peers. Please save the date and look out for further announcements regarding registration and dress code guidelines.

Secondary Pastoral Care & PSHE Parent Presentation

Thank you to the parents and guardians who attended this week’s Secondary Pastoral Care and PSHE presentation. It was a valuable opportunity to discuss how our PSHE programme supports students’ development beyond traditional academics by equipping them with essential life skills through three core themes: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, and Living in the Wider World.

By focusing on these areas across all year groups, we help students manage their wellbeing, build positive relationships, and make informed choices about their futures. Our aim is to support them in becoming confident, well-rounded individuals ready to navigate life both in and beyond school. If you have any questions about the topics covered, please feel free to get in touch [email protected].

Parent Talk – Pastoral Care 2025-26

Special Parent Meeting: Introduction to Revised Electronics & Mobile Device Policy

We invite all parents to a special meeting regarding our newly revised Electronics and Mobile Device Policy. As students’ digital habits evolve, our guidelines must adapt to ensure a safe and focused learning environment. This session will outline the key policy changes, our campus implementation strategy, and exactly what this means for your child. We strongly encourage attendance to understand these new expectations, and there will be an opportunity for questions following the main presentation as our Head Master will head down to Nakita’s for his monthly informal coffee meeting.

Keeping Students Safe on WhatsApp: Privacy, Group Chats, and AI

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging platforms globally, but its evolving features bring new considerations for our school community. While the app officially requires users to be at least 13 years old, we know many younger students use it to stay connected. The platform offers end-to-end encryption for privacy, yet this can also mask risks such as group chat pressures where negative comments can escalate quickly. Furthermore, recent updates have introduced features like public ‘Channels’ and an integrated Meta AI assistant, which currently cannot be removed. These expose young users to potential misinformation, targeted advertising, and unvetted content.

Managing these digital landscapes requires open communication between parents and children. We strongly recommend reviewing your child’s WhatsApp privacy settings together. Simple steps, such as activating the ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ feature and restricting group chat invitations to known contacts, can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted interactions and location sharing. It is equally vital to discuss features like ‘Chat Lock’ and disappearing messages, encouraging your child to understand that while privacy is important, it should never mean secrecy from trusted adults.

To help you navigate these updates, we have attached a comprehensive ‘WakeUpWednesday’ guide from The National College this week. This resource provides practical advice on spotting scams, managing AI interactions, and having age-appropriate conversations about online safety. If you have any questions regarding your child’s digital wellbeing or need help implementing these safeguards, please reach out to our Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral), Ms Cusworth ([email protected]). We are committed to supporting your family in creating a safe online environment.

Berta Palop Roca – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 6

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of Berta, who has received an outstanding range of university offers in competitive scientific and medical-related fields. Her offers include the University of Manchester, the University of Edinburgh, University College London (UCL), University of Warwick and Queen Mary University of London, reflecting her strong academic profile and commitment to a future in the field of Neuro-Science.

Berta studies Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Art at A Level, combining scientific rigour with exceptional creativity. She achieved the Highest Mark in Asia for IGCSE Art and Design, demonstrating an outstanding ability to communicate complex ideas visually. Alongside her studies, she has challenged herself beyond the classroom through participation in the British Biology Olympiad and achieved a Silver Award in the National Scientific Thinking Challenge, highlighting her analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Her interest in medicine is supported by valuable experience, including a placement at Bangkok Hospital Siriroj in June 2024, where she gained insight into multiple clinical departments. She has also completed her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, volunteered teaching English with Sunny Side Up, and pursued extracurricular interests such as aerial silks and learning Chinese (achieving HSK 4). We congratulate Berta on her achievements and look forward to her continued success.

Oliver Parker-Smith (Alistair) – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 9

We are delighted to celebrate the success of Oliver Parker-Smith (Alistair), who has received an excellent range of university offers in Computer Science and Cyber Security across the UK. His offers include Bournemouth University, the University of Brighton, UWE Bristol, the University of Plymouth and Solent University.

During his time at HeadStart, Alistair has demonstrated a genuine passion for computing and music, engaging deeply with programming, problem-solving and independent learning beyond the classroom. He has shown a strong curiosity for how systems work and a clear ambition to pursue a future in cyber security. Alongside his academic studies, his enthusiasm for cars has enabled him to develop practical, hands-on understanding of complex mechanical systems, further strengthening his analytical and technical mindset.

We congratulate Alistair on his achievements and wish him every success as he prepares for the next stage of his education.

Early Years & Reception Thai Culture Club: Amazing Vegetables and Healthy Habits

Our Early Years and Reception children had a wonderful time exploring the colourful world of vegetables during Thai Culture Club! They learned about different types of vegetables, their benefits, and how vegetables are an important part of healthy living.

The children enjoyed a variety of engaging activities, including singing and movement with the ‘Vegetable Song’, sharing their favourite vegetables, and taking part in fun guessing games using real vegetables.

A highlight of the day was the hands-on planting activity, where each child planted their own vegetable to take home and care for. The session ended with an exciting interactive game and a lovely group photo, making it a joyful and meaningful learning experience for all!

Year 1-3 Students Gets Hands-on with Bamboo

Our Year 1–3 students enjoyed hands-on learning as they explored the role of bamboo in Thai culture. They learned about its many uses, from food containers and fans to decorative items, and examined real examples to understand their purpose and design.

Students also took part in fun movement activities and expressed their creativity by designing and painting their own multi-purpose bamboo pencil cases.

It was a wonderful weekend of cultural exploration, creativity, and active learning.

Year 4-6 Give Salted Eggs a Go!

Our Year 4–6 students explored Thai culture through a hands-on activity of making salted eggs, learning about traditional food preservation methods. They were introduced to key ingredients such as clay and ash, and discovered how each plays an important role in the preservation process.

This engaging experience helped students connect with local wisdom while deepening their understanding of Thai cultural practices.

B’Ball Success for Panthers O15s!

HeadStart’s Over 15 Basketball team competed in the PISAC Championships last week which took place at UWC. The Panthers were lazer-focused from start to finish, taking on talented teams from across the island. We are proud to announce that they finished in 1st place – proving why they can claim the title as PISAC Champs! Coach King – Head Basketball Coach

A full album of photos of the tournament can be found here: PISAC Over 15 Senior Boys Basketball 2026

Pride in the Panthers at the Harrow 7s

Our recent trip to Bangkok for the Harrow Bangkok International 7s football tournament was a resounding success, both on and off the pitch. The teams demonstrated remarkable unity and sportsmanship, and we take great pride in their efforts. Despite the intense heat and the challenge of playing up to six games in a day, the players’ work rate was nothing short of fantastic.

Tournament results:

U13 Girls – 4th in the Champions League (Penalties in 3rd Place Playoff)

Overall, we are extremely pleased with our teams’ performances and eagerly anticipate the next tournament in Term 3 at Bangkok Patana, where eight of our HeadStart Academy teams will compete! Coach Frost – Head Football Coach

📸 A full album of photos can be found here: Harrow 7s 2026

HeadStart Athletes Shine at PISAC Championships!

On Tuesday, 17th March, our combined Secondary Track & Field team headed to Thanyapura for the PISAC Championships. Representing HeadStart with immense integrity and dedication, our athletes proved that we are a force to be reckoned with.

While every team member contributed to our success, we had some truly historic individual moments. A massive congratulations to Mary, who didn’t just win gold but shattered the U15 Shot Put PISAC record! We also celebrate our Gold Medalists: Jaya (10 Blue Chaofah; High Jump), Jake (12 Blue Chaofah; Shot Put), Mason (11 Yellow Chaofah; Shot Put), and Alina (8 Yellow Cherngtalay; Discus).

Thanks to the collective effort and “never-give-up” attitude of the entire squad, HeadStart proudly secured the overall Team Bronze medal. We are incredibly proud of our athletes for their sportsmanship and spirit! Mr Cresswell – Director of Sport

Making Thai Dessert “Ka-nom Bua Loy” in Year 2 Thai Class!

A big thank you to Ms Juthatip Wesley (Sophia’s mum) and her family for joining our Year 2 Thai First Language class to share Thai culture and basic cooking techniques for making Ka-nom Bua Loy, such as measuring, mixing, and shaping dough.

Students learned about traditional Thai desserts and used natural food colouring from Thai vegetables and herbs—green from pandan leaves, yellow from pumpkin, and purple from butterfly pea flowers and taro. They enjoyed rolling the dough into balls, creating their own colourful designs, and making their own bowls of Ka-nom Bua Loy.

It was a joyful, hands-on experience connecting creativity with Thai culture. Thank you to our wonderful Thai parents for making this activity so colourful and memorable.

Secondary Students Support Local Community at Cherngtalay Temple

A massive well done to our Key Stage 3 students who spent time volunteering at Cherngtalay Temple this week. This was a valuable opportunity for our Secondary cohort to step outside the classroom and offer their time to support our local neighbours. From cleaning the temple grounds to participating in merit-making activities, the students worked with a positive attitude and a spirit of collaboration.

Green Dragons Claim Victory in House Bean Bag Toss

The Green Dragons lived up to their daring reputation, taking first place with bold, high-arcing shots that landed perfectly on target. The competition was full of energy as several bean bags from the Red Phoenix house went flying off course, much to the amusement of Miss Thompson. Meanwhile, the Yellow Cheetahs secured third place amidst non-stop giggles and high-fives from their upbeat teammates. Despite their best efforts, the Blue Tigers finished fourth, though they remained focused until the very last throw. It was a fantastic 30 minutes of sport where precision ultimately triumphed in the Sports Hall.

Tigers and Cheetahs Claim Victory in House Football Finals

The House Football finals were a brilliant display of athletic skill and school spirit. A huge well done to the Year 7 Tigers and the Year 8 and 9 Cheetahs for securing first-place finishes!

The Dragons also performed strongly in Year 7, while the Tigers and Dragons took well-deserved runner-up spots in Years 8 and 9. Despite the intense competition for the Phoenix and all other teams, the students showed great sportsmanship and clearly had a lot of fun on the pitch. Congratulations to everyone who took part!

Magic Beans and Meaningful Milestones in Year 1

There was no shortage of laughter, or learning, in Year 1 last week! During our interactive Jack and the Beanstalk Parent Invite Event, we opened our doors to celebrate the joy of shared discovery. While the children acted out the giant’s thundering footsteps for their visiting parents, they were actually doing much more than playing; they were actively developing crucial narrative sequencing and expressive language skills. It was rewarding to see our students proudly take the lead, guiding their families through themed activities including crafts, painting, reading, writing, and sensory play.

The morning was a great example of our HeadStart philosophy in action: combining a structured Primary curriculum with a welcoming community where parents are active partners in their child’s learning journey.

Aquatic Adventures: Year 1 Explore Local Marine Life

Year 1 enjoyed a rewarding day of discovery at the aquarium this week, stepping outside the classroom to interact with the natural world. The students spent time observing a wide variety of animals, with the sharks, axolotls, and reptiles proving to be particularly popular. This trip was a great experience that successfully reinforced their recent science topics through direct, hands-on observation.

Year 4 Bring History to Life at Thalang National Museum

Year 4 took their learning off-campus for an engaging and hands-on visit to the Thalang National Museum. This visit gave the students a practical way to bring their classroom learning to life as they explored the rich history of Phuket. By examining a wide range of historical artefacts, the children engaged in thoughtful discussions about how people lived in the past, deepening their understanding of the island’s human and physical geography. It was rewarding to see the students’ curiosity in action as they applied their classroom knowledge directly to the world around them.

Celebrating Primary English Achievements: Learners of the Month

Congratulations to our Primary Learners of the Month! The assembly focused on celebrating outstanding achievements in English. Students were recognised for their enthusiasm for the subject, their love of reading, and their growing confidence in written and verbal communication.

The awards highlighted students who put significant academic effort into crafting imaginative stories and participating actively in speaking and listening tasks. We commend these learners for their perseverance, creativity, and positive spirit in the classroom. Well done to all the recipients for setting such a great example.

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!

• Secondary PISAC Athletics team (Secondary) achieved 3rd place and secured individual medals at the PISAC Track and Field competition.

• Eloise (7 Blue) placed 5th in the 200m freestyle and 400m freestyle at the BISP Invitational Swim meet.

• Isabella (2 Yellow) achieved 3rd Place in the Gymnastic Competition Team Level 2 Junior at the Falcon’s Gymnastics Invitational 2026.

HeadStart Heads Up to HYROX Bangkok 2026

Congratulations to all HeadStart staff and parents who headed up to Bangkok to take part in the BYD HYROX Bangkok 2026 from 20-22 March This unqiue event took over the BITEC exhibition center, drawing a record-breaking crowd of over 18,000 athletes for what became the largest fitness race in the city’s history. Participants pushed their limits through the signature format of eight 1km runs interspersed with intense functional workout stations, ranging from sled pushes to wall balls.

This high-energy weekend saw a mix of elite competitors and everyday fitness enthusiasts, including a notable debut by Thai superstar Chompoo Araya, who completed the challenge in the doubles category. Special mention to the HeadStart Staff team of Coach Jordi, Khun Palm, Khun Nan and Miss Deb who competed in the Open Team categroy and finished in a very respectable 25th place out of a total of 207 teams! What a fantastic effort!

Exclusive Offer for HeadStart Families from Flying Lizard

We are delighted to share a special offer from our friends at Flying Lizard Restaurant & Family Club, located just three minutes from our HeadStart Cherngtalay campus. Offering a perfect balance for our community, the venue combines supervised play areas and a splash zone for children with a relaxing restaurant and co-working space for parents. HeadStart families can now enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on food, drinks, classes, and birthday parties. Simply use the promo code HDST when booking classes online to claim your discount, valid until 31st December 2026.

Mini & Me Yoga: Special Trial Offer at Serenity Studio

We are pleased to share an upcoming ‘Mini & Me Yoga’ session hosted by our friends at Serenity Studio on Saturday, 4th April at 11:00 am. Designed specifically for parents and little ones aged 0-4, this calming class led by facilitator Nadya focuses on gentle movement and breath practices to support your child’s development and sleep regulation. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to reconnect with their own bodies and meet other local families in a relaxed environment. Located just two minutes from Central Mall, Serenity Studio is offering HeadStart families a special trial class rate of 500 baht, saving you 200 baht. Please contact the studio directly via direct message or by scanning their QR code to book your space.

Support Local Sustainability at “Swap Connect”

On Sunday, 29 March, HeadStart community members Monika and Juliette are hosting the inaugural “Swap Connect” event. This is a fantastic opportunity to clear out unwanted clothes and items and exchange them for something new, all while helping to reduce waste in Phuket. Please see the attached poster for venue details and timings, and join in to support a more sustainable lifestyle.