Weekly Update #28, 03 April 2026

Electronics and Mobile Phone Policy

To ensure a distraction-free learning environment, we are reminding families of our updated Electronics and Mobile Phone Policy.

During school hours, all personal electronic devices (including mobile phones, smartwatches, and tablets) must remain switched off and stored securely. Devices may only be used if explicitly directed by a teacher for a lesson. Any student needing to contact home must do so via the school office or their respective school secretary.

We appreciate your cooperation. Please review the full policy via the link below for complete guidelines, and confiscation procedures.

You can read the policy in full here: HeadStart Electronics and Mobile Phone Policy

Yearbook Photo Packages

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; and

• Package 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 note that the deadline to place your order is Friday, 1 May. 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.

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 on 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.

Ines Jasserand – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 9

We are delighted to celebrate the success of Ines Jasserand, who has received an excellent range of university offers across the UK and France in Business and Business Management. Her offers include IÉSEG School of Management, SKEMA Business School, NEOMA Business School, the University of Brighton, the University of Leicester, the University of Portsmouth, Bath Spa University and Leeds Beckett University.

During her time at HeadStart, Ines has shown determination in her studies and was recognised as Student of the Month for her academic improvement. Alongside her studies, she has gained valuable work experience at Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort and Niran Equestrian Centre, helping her develop strong communication and customer service skills.

We congratulate Ines on her achievements and wish her every success as she prepares for the next stage of her education.

Dylan Rainfroy – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 6

We are pleased to celebrate the achievements of Dylan Rainfroy, who has secured offers to study International Business at leading European institutions. Dylan has received offers from IÉSEG School of Management for the Bachelor in International Business and from SKEMA Business School for the Global BBA.

During his time at HeadStart, Dylan has demonstrated strong commitment both academically and beyond the classroom. He has been recognised with multiple Student of the Month awards in French and English, as well as being named Student of the Year for Sport. He has also been an active member of the swimming academy, earning both bronze and silver awards, and has contributed to the school community through English tutoring.

Dylan is a resilient and hardworking student with clear ambitions in business management and marketing, and we are confident he will thrive as he takes the next step in his academic journey.

We congratulate Dylan on his achievements and wish him every success in his future studies.

A Meaningful Start to Songkran

Our school community gathered to mark the upcoming Thai New Year with a traditional food offering to the monks and a water blessing. This cherished ceremony offered a peaceful moment for reflection, gratitude, and the opportunity to make merit together as we welcomed the spirit of Songkran.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all students, parents, and staff who contributed dry food with such generosity. It was truly uplifting to see our community come together, honouring Thai culture and beginning the New Year with compassion, respect, and a shared sense of unity.

Celebrating Thailand’s Rich Cultural Heritage

To conclude Term 2, Primary and Secondary students alongside teachers gathered for a respectful Songkran Assembly. Dressed in vibrant floral shirts, the community came together to appreciate a series of purposeful performances celebrating Thai traditions.

The event showcased collaborative efforts from across the school, beginning with our Support Staff performing the Rum See Pak to represent the four regions of Thailand. Year 7 students demonstrated their coordination through a graceful Northern Umbrella Dance, while Year 5 students presented a confident Rum Pong Lang showcase. Our Teaching Staff along with Mr Lawler also took to the stage to perform the E-sarn Baan Dance, followed by a beautiful Manora Dance that highlighted the traditions of Southern Thailand.

The assembly concluded with a traditional water blessing ceremony. This offered students and staff a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate respect and gratitude, perfectly capturing the spirit of Songkran as a united community.

Little Splashes, Big Songkran Smiles

Our Foundation students kicked off the Songkran celebrations with a fun-filled water play session on Wednesday. The playground was filled with laughter as children and teachers enjoyed splashing, playing, and sharing joyful moments together.

It was a wonderful way to introduce our youngest learners to this much-loved Thai tradition and welcome the Thai New Year with happiness, excitement, and a sense of community.

Embracing the Songkran Spirit

To wrap up Term 2, our Primary and Secondary students and teachers dressed in colourful flowery shirts and came together for a joyful Songkran Assembly. The celebration began with Rum See Pak – The Four Regions of Thailand performed by our Support Staff, followed by a graceful Northern Umbrella Dance by Year 7 students. Year 5 students delighted the audience with Rum Pong Lang, and our Teaching Staff brought energy to the stage with the lively E-sarn Baan Dance. We also enjoyed a beautiful Manora Dance, representing the rich cultural heritage of Southern Thailand.

The assembly concluded with the traditional water blessing ceremony. This meaningful moment was a perfect way to show respect and gratitude, and to celebrate the Songkran spirit together as a community.

Celebrating Culture at Our Songkran Market

The campus was buzzing with festive energy at our Songkran market, where our community gathered to celebrate Thai culture alongside the water play on the Football Pitch. It was a wonderful chance to enjoy a wide range of authentic food, refreshing drinks, and local products. We would like to thank all of our vendors, especially our parents, for their hard work in crafting these amazing treats and participating so enthusiastically. This event was a fantastic way to mark the Thai New Year and showcase the incredible spirit of our school community!

Songkran Gallery

From Monday 6 April, you will be able to download a full gallery of our Songkran celebrations here: Songkran 2026

HeadStart Sports Academies Truly Make a Difference

Following the success of the ‘24 Hours to Make a Difference’ event, we were proud to welcome representatives from Life Home Project to our Chaofah City Campus to present them with a cheque for 355,700 THB. This significant contribution was raised by our sporting academies and is a true reflection of the incredible dedication and generosity of our HeadStart community.

The funds raised will go directly towards supporting vulnerable young children and families here in Phuket, making a tangible difference in our local community. A massive thank you once again to everyone who participated, donated, cheered from the sidelines, or contributed in some way to this event. Your collective effort has proven that when our Aqua Panthers, Panthers Football, and Panthers Basketball academies come together as one, we can achieve truly extraordinary things!

AI Safety Advice for Parents

Navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape requires equipping HeadStart students with the tools to use Artificial Intelligence responsibly and effectively. While AI platforms offer valuable educational benefits and daily assistance, they also introduce complex challenges surrounding privacy, data security, and misinformation. By demystifying how these algorithms work, parents and educators can empower young people to evaluate digital tools with confidence and discernment.

Establishing clear expectations at home is essential for building strong digital habits. Parents can actively support this by setting boundaries for homework assistance, exploring AI applications together to model safe practices, and discussing the importance of protecting personal data online. Encouraging students to question the accuracy and fairness of AI-generated content ensures they do not become over-reliant on shortcuts, preserving their independent critical thinking skills.

Shifting the focus from passive consumption to active creation allows students to harness technology purposefully. Guiding children to use age-appropriate platforms to brainstorm project ideas, create digital art, or structure their research fosters imagination and technical literacy. By staying curious and maintaining an open dialogue, parents help build the digital resilience required to navigate the modern world safely.

Parent Storytellers Guide Active Listening Through Traditional Thai Tales

Sharing traditional stories not only strengthens cultural connections but also develops early active listening skills, as our Reception students discovered during a special visit from our parent community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Matteo’s mum, Khun Laksanawadee Prommakun, and Ada’s mum, Khun Natcha Kijjulonjarit, for leading an interactive reading of “Grung Gring Nee Reo” (Run Away Quickly!) for our Thai First Language class.

Exploring the tale of mice attempting to outsmart a cat, the children used small bells to participate in the narrative. This collaborative session highlights the vital role our parents play in enriching the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Thank you for building a strong sense of community and bringing Thai literature to life for our youngest learners.

Down the Rabbit Hole We Go!

Step through the looking glass into a world of pure imagination as our talented performers bring the magic of Wonderland to life! On Wednesday 13 May, the Cherngtalay Campus will be transformed for our spectacular production of Alice the Musical. Our CAPA students, the Choir, the HeadStart Dance Company, and the entirety of Year 6 are all working together to bring this adventure to the stage.

Rehearsals are currently in full swing, with our dedicated cast working hard to ensure this is a show to remember as they master complex roles, refine every dance step, and bring every magical song to life. This creative energy was further sparked during a recent visit to the Chaofah City Campus, where our students watched the CAPA Juniors dazzle in their production of Moana Jr. – an incredible performance that left our learners feeling inspired and ready for their own turn in the spotlight.

We can’t wait to share this magical adventure with you. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready for a Wonderland experience like no other! Further details regarding timings and ticket information will follow shortly. Stay tuned as we prepare to welcome you to Wonderland!

Young Explorers Take Flight in a Magical Space Adventure

Taking the HeadStart family on an imaginative adventure through Astro Girl’s Space Dream, Reception students celebrated their Tiny CAPA learning with a vibrant stage production. The performance provided a wonderful opportunity for the children to share the results of their imaginative play, transforming classroom activities and musical discovery into a confident show for their parents and guardians.

Demonstrating their blossoming stagecraft, the young astronauts and actors combined dynamic movement with storytelling to express their growing creativity and vocal skills. While the show was a triumph, the real growth occurred behind the curtain; throughout the rehearsal process, students applied excellent teamwork, supporting one another and sharing ideas to bring the show to life. This process helped develop their stage presence while laying the foundations for lifelong confidence and character.

These young performers brought our HeadStart Learner Attributes to life, remaining Collaborative, Courageous, and Open Minded throughout. A huge thank you to our talented students for their hard work and to our dedicated teachers for their guidance in making this wonderful show such a success.

Athletes Shine at Primary PISAC Track & Field Championship

High energy and fierce competition were the order of the day on Monday, 30th March, as HeadStart Chaofah City campus played host to the Primary PISAC Track & Field Championship.

Under beautiful tropical skies, the atmosphere remained electric as more than 130 student-athletes arrived ready to represent their respective schools. The event brought together the full membership of the PISAC group, featuring talent from all over our island home.

A Test of Speed and Strength

The championship featured a comprehensive programme designed to test the versatility of Phuket’s youngest sporting stars. On the track, athletes showcased their speed and endurance in the 50m, 100m, 200m, and 400m sprints. Meanwhile, the field events saw impressive displays of technique and power in the Long Jump, Javelin, Quoit, and Shot Put.

Spirit and Sportsmanship

Throughout the morning, the work rate and morale of the competitors never dipped. In a display of true sportsmanship, students were seen cheering for their rivals just as loudly as for their own teammates.

The event concluded with a sense of shared achievement, marking another successful chapter in Phuket’s inter-school sporting calendar. After a day of record-breaking efforts and fantastic teamwork, the athletes left the field having earned both their medals and a well-deserved rest.

You can download a full gallery of the event here: PISAC Primary Track & Field

Russian Language Day Brings Us Together!

On 28 March, our Cherngtalay campus hosted a vibrant and heartwarming Russian Language Day, bringing together students, parents, and teachers.

The celebration began with a talent show. Students recited poems, sang, and played musical instruments. A highlight of the performance was the TrioLight ensemble: two flutes and a piano performed music from the song “The Beautiful Afar” (“Прекрасное далеко”), leaving a strong impression on the audience. During the show, the results of the creative works competition were also announced. A total of 32 students participated, and eight outstanding works were selected as winners.

After that, participants took part in a variety of workshops. Everyone could choose an activity they enjoyed: making a traditional fabric bird, creating a doll from threads, or painting a wooden board in a traditional style. Many students were excited to try more than one workshop.

The day concluded with a shared meal. We are truly grateful to the parents for bringing so many delicious dishes, which made our table festive and welcoming.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! It’s wonderful to see how events like this bring so many people together and create such a joyful atmosphere.

📸 A full album of photos can be found here: Russian Language Day Term 2 2026

День русского языка объединяет!

28 марта в кампусе Cherngtalay прошёл яркий и тёплый День русского языка, который собрал учеников, родителей и учителей вместе.

Праздник начался с шоу талантов. Ребята читали стихи, пели и играли на музыкальных инструментах. Особое впечатление на зрителей произвело выступление трио TrioLight: две флейты и фортепиано исполнили музыку к песне «Прекрасное далёко». В рамках шоу также были подведены итоги конкурса творческих работ: в нём приняли участие 32 ученика, а жюри выбрало 8 лучших работ.

После этого участники смогли проявить себя на мастер-классах. Каждый мог выбрать занятие по душе: создать традиционную птичку из ткани, куколку из ниток или расписать деревянную дощечку в народном стиле. Многие ребята с интересом успели попробовать себя сразу в нескольких мастер-классах.

Завершился праздник совместным обедом. Мы искренне благодарны родителям за большое количество вкусных блюд, которые украсили общий стол и создали по-настоящему домашнюю атмосферу.

Спасибо всем, кто стал частью этого дня! Здорово, что такие праздники объединяют и дарят радость стольким людям.

Year 2 Role Models Bring Stories to Life for Early Years

Developing a lifelong love of reading is a core focus in Foundation and Primary, and our recent buddy reading session between Year 2 and Early Years was a perfect example of this in action. Beyond simply sharing stories, the session allowed Year 2 students to develop their communication and leadership skills by asking their younger peers thoughtful comprehension questions. For our Early Years students, it was a fantastic way to practise attentive listening and engage with literature alongside their older role models.

Author Gail Clarke Inspires our Youngest Writers to Dream Big

Stories leapt from the page and into the imaginations of our Foundation and Primary students during a fantastic storytelling experience with guest author Gail Clarke. By sharing the magic of her characters and her creative process, Gail helped our inquisitive young learners see how a professional narrative grows from a single spark of an idea.

The impact of the visit was immediate, with many children leaving the sessions feeling inspired to begin their own creative writing projects. This enthusiasm perfectly reflects our ongoing focus on developing a genuine love for reading and writing across the school. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Gail for her visit and for the lovely “Thank You” note she shared with our community; it was a true joy to see our students so motivated by the power of literature.

Secondary Students of the Month

Taking ownership of their independent learning and demonstrating unwavering academic integrity, our Secondary Students of the Month for March have been recognised as truly Principled learners!

Huge congratulations to Sonia (8 Blue), Kseniia (7 Blue), Willow (7 Blue), Eva (8 Yellow), Mariia (8 Blue), Lara (8 Blue), Maceo (7 Blue), Dasha (8 Yellow), Oskar (8 Blue), Austin (7 Blue), Mariia (8 Blue), Freya (9 Blue), Anastasiia (8 Blue), Alaina (7 Blue), Fionn (9 Blue), Milana (7 Yellow), and Harper (7 Yellow)!

As students progress through Secondary, being Principled is about making choices they can be genuinely proud of. By taking full accountability for their own learning and lifting those around them with warmth and consistent positivity, these individuals help to make our school a kinder, more connected place to learn. Their actions, both big and small, reflect the heart of what it means to be a HeadStart student.

With our March awards concluded, we are already looking for who will step up next. Teachers are actively searching for our most Inquisitive learners who investigate complex concepts, and our most Resilient students who persevere through challenging tasks. Who will be the next to step into the spotlight by showing the character and thoughtfulness that make our community so unique?

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!

• Jasmine (5 White) won 1st Prize in Piano, Age Group B, at the World’s Best Musicians Competition.

• Lea (2 Yellow)andSagit (7 Blue) both became Champions and won Gold medals at the Hong Kong International Open Judo tournament.

A massive congratulations to our dancers who competed at the ATOD International Dance Competition in Bangkok:

• Kira (3 Yellow): 1st place and 3 Encouragement Awards for ballet and contemporary solo, duet, and group dances.

• Angelina (3 White): Silver medal in ballet.

• Aleksiia (3 White): 2nd place in Ensemble Demi-Character Junior and 2nd place in Ensemble Classical Ballet.

• Sofiia (5 Blue): 1st place and a Gold medal for a group performance.

• Elizaveta (4 Blue): 1st place and a Gold medal in the ballet group dance.

• Sofi (5 Blue): 1st place in Group Classical Ballet, 2nd place in Duo Lyrical, and 3rd place in both Duo Classical Ballet and Duo Demi-character.

• Amelia (7 Blue): Excellence award in group performance.

• Arina (3 Blue): 2nd place in ballet.

• Oliviia (3 Blue): 2nd place in dancing.

• Hana (4 White): Successful participation.

• Oscar (2 Yellow) emerged as the Boys Under 8 Champion at the Tennis 10s Matchplay Tournament.

• Ava (3 White) won 3 Gold Medals and 1 Silver Medal at the Moose Games Gymnastics Invitational Meet in Bangkok.

• Dimas (4 Blue) won a Gold Medal in basketball at the 3×3 Summer Classic.

• Eliana (4 Yellow)andRaphael (2 Blue) both secured 3rd Place in their respective age divisions at the HeadStart Chess Tournament.

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.

School Holiday Fun at 50FLY

Looking for an active way to spend the upcoming break? 50FLY Trampoline Club is offering special student rates during the school holidays from 7-17 April (Tuesday to Friday).

Students can take advantage of discounted group pricing:

• Large Groups (4+ kids): 450 THB per child for two hours.

• Small Groups (2 kids): 250 THB per child for one hour.

Please note that a valid student ID is required to access these rates. For those interested in regular visits, 50FLY also offers Unlimited Jump Passes starting from 3,000 THB for one month, with significant savings on long-term memberships.