Weekly Update #32, 15 May 2026

Little Steps Big Discoveries: Toddler Playgroup is Back!

Watch early curiosity develop at the next session of our Toddler Playgroup at our Cherngtalay Campus. Our next and final session of this school year takes place on Wednesday 20 May from 9:00am to 10:00am.

Designed for children aged 1 to 4 years old, these mornings provide a practical introduction to our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) philosophy. Children engage in a variety of purposeful play stations, including messy play, sensory exploration, and creative building, facilitated by our Foundation staff. Our teachers will be on hand to offer guidance to parents, creating an environment to connect, build a supportive community network, and observe our play-based approach in action.

Book your spot today via the registration form: Toddler Playgroup Registration Form

HeadStart Art Exhibition 2026 - Celebration of Creative Mastery

Students from our IGCSE and A-Level Art and Design courses are set to unveil a stunning collection of work at the upcoming HeadStart Art Exhibition 2026. This prestigious event, held at the Phuket Cultural Center in partnership with Phuket Rajabhat University, marks the culmination of a rigorous two-year programme of study for our student artists.

The grand opening on 22 May from 4:30pm to 7:00pm will feature intimate live music performed by our performing arts students and the opportunity to celebrate our students’ achievements in excellent company. The exhibition will remain open from 22 to 27 May, showcasing the extraordinary creative journeys and technical mastery of our Secondary and Sixth Form cohorts. We invite the whole community to join us in celebrating the exceptional talent and creative resilience of our students as they mark the end of this significant academic stage.

Event Details:📅Date: 22 May (Grand Opening)

🗓️ Exhibition Dates: 22 to 27 May

🕓 Time: 4:30pm to 7:00pm

📍 Location: Phuket Cultural Centre (Phuket Rajabhat University)

Thai Culture Club Term 3

Join us on Saturday 23rd May at our Cherngtalay campus for a fun-filled cultural experience where students will explore Thai traditions through exciting, hands-on activities. This session is designed to deepen their understanding of Thai culture while engaging in interactive and enjoyable learning experiences.

Location: HeadStart Cherngtalay CampusTime: 09:00 - 12:00

If you are interested, please contact your child’s Thai teacher to sign up. We look forward to an enriching cultural experience together!

Parent, Teacher and Student Chess Tournament

Ready to test your strategic skills against the wider HeadStart community? Join us for the Parents, Teachers and Students Chess Tournament on Saturday 23 May at the Chaofah City Campus. Operating under a Swiss System with 10 minutes plus 5 seconds per move, this community event welcomes players of all experience levels to compete and connect. The attendance check begins promptly at 11:00am. Entry is 250 THB for early registrations or 500 THB on the day, which includes free pizza for all participants.

Emma Palop Roca - Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 6

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of Emma Palop Roca, who has secured multiple offers to study Architecture at leading UK universities including the University of Bath, Cardiff University, the University of Reading and the University of York.

During her time at HeadStart, Emma has demonstrated strong academic commitment and a clear interest in the built environment. Her achievements include subject prizes in Geography at both IGCSE and A Level, as well as a Silver award in the National Scientific Thinking Challenge and completion of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. She has also developed her linguistic skills through studying Chinese, achieving HSK Level 4.

Beyond the classroom, Emma has pursued a range of extracurricular interests including aerial skills and padel, reflecting both creativity and discipline. Her work experience at Siriroj Hospital has further developed her organisational and interpersonal skills. A resilient, principled and creative student, Emma demonstrates strong time management and a commitment to her goals.

We congratulate Emma on her achievements and wish her every success as she progresses to the next stage of her academic journey.

Federico Solaroli - Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 4

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Federico Solaroli, who has secured offers to study engineering and physics in the Netherlands. Federico has received offers from Eindhoven University of Technology for both Applied Physics and Mechanical Engineering.

During his time at HeadStart, Federico has demonstrated a strong passion for physics, reflected in his achievement as IGCSE Student of the Year in Physics. He has further developed his interest through hands-on involvement in the school’s prep room, supporting the preparation of practical experiments for both physics and chemistry.

Beyond the classroom, Federico has shown long-standing commitment to leadership, having served as Head Boy in Year 6 and as a prefect for two years, contributing to a total of nine years in student leadership roles. He has also supported younger students by assisting in Year 7 lessons, demonstrating both initiative and a willingness to help others learn. An inquisitive, resilient and collaborative student, Federico aspires to pursue a career in academia as a university lecturer and researcher in physics.

We congratulate Federico on his achievements and wish him every success as he progresses to the next stage of his academic journey.

Sean Corley - Enrolled at HeadStart since Early Years

We are pleased to celebrate the achievements of Sean Corley, who has secured multiple offers to study International Hotel Management. Sean has received offers from AIHM Bangkok, Vatel and HTMi, and is currently awaiting a decision from CETT in Spain.

During his time at HeadStart, Sean has demonstrated strong engagement both in and out of the classroom. He has been an active member of the football academy and has pursued interests in Muay Thai, reflecting his commitment and discipline. His involvement in student council highlights his willingness to contribute to the school community.

Sean has also gained valuable practical experience through working at a summer camp supporting younger children, as well as through placements with 5 Star Marine and the Pullman Hotel. These experiences have helped him develop key skills in communication, teamwork and customer service, all of which are well aligned with his chosen field. An open minded, collaborative and courageous student, Sean shows strong potential for a successful career in the hospitality industry.

We congratulate Sean on his achievements and wish him every success as he takes the next step in his journey.

Ingfah Rongrueangkul - Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 3

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Ingfah Rongrueangkul, who has secured an impressive range of offers for medical programmes in Thailand including Mahidol University (BSBM), Chulalongkorn University (BSAC and BbTech), CICM Medical School and KMITL Medicine.

During her time at HeadStart, Ingfah has demonstrated strong academic curiosity and a growing interest in the sciences. She has engaged in a range of supercurricular activities, including neuroscience-focused MOOC courses, participation in the Biology Olympiad and involvement in both national and international science competitions. Her academic achievements are complemented by recognition through Student of the Month and an IGCSE subject prize in music.

Beyond the classroom, Ingfah has been highly involved in the school’s creative and service-based activities. She has played key roles in CAPA productions, including as part of the lead cast, and contributed to school events such as Battle of the Bands. Her commitment to service is reflected in her involvement with the Sunny Side Up programme, as well as wider volunteering initiatives. Ingfah has also taken on leadership responsibilities as an Eco and Welfare Prefect, demonstrating a commitment to supporting both the school community and the environment. Her work experience at Siriroj Hospital provided valuable insight into the medical field, alongside her participation in medical workshops and volunteering in blood donation initiatives. A collaborative, kind and inquisitive student, Ingfah shows strong potential for a future in healthcare or related fields.

We congratulate Ingfah on her achievements and wish her every success as she takes the next step in her academic journey.

Reception to Year 1 Transition Meeting

Preparing our Foundation students for their next big academic step is a milestone we always look forward to. Thank you to all the parents who joined our Reception to Year 1 Transition meeting at the Cherngtalay Campus. During the presentation, we explored how the school supports children through this important change, focusing on building emotional security, maintaining familiar routines, and gradually introducing them to their new primary environment.

The move to Key Stage 1 brings exciting new routines, including increased independence, a structured 8:00am start, and access to primary specialist rooms for Art and Music. We encourage families to help prepare their children at home by discussing the transition positively, establishing earlier morning routines, and ensuring primary uniforms are ready for August. Please remember to review the primary language options and submit your preferences using the online form.

Transition from Reception to Year 1 Cherngtalay 2026

Mandarin-speaking Parent Workshop: Navigating the Dual Digital World

Inviting all Mandarin-speaking parents to our latest parent workshop on Thursday, 21 May in the Secondary ILC from 08:30am. Equip your family with the tools to navigate the complexities of global and regional apps in our upcoming practical workshop. Children frequently switch between platforms such as YouTube and Roblox, alongside apps highly popular within the Mandarin-speaking community like WeChat and Douyin. This environment creates a unique set of modern challenges that are both visible and hidden.

Moving beyond theory, we will work together to build a reliable digital compass for online safety. You will learn about the latest digital risks, including the impact of artificial intelligence, and gain a practical toolkit to help restore balance and security within your family. We look forward to seeing you there!

A Trip Down the Rabbit Hole: Alice the Musical!

It was fabulous to see Alice the Musical finally come to life! Our CAPA HeadStars, Choir, HeadStart Dance Company and Year 6 students really outdid themselves, bringing incredible energy and heart to the stage after months of hard work. We were all captivated as Alice navigated the “delightful strangeness” of Wonderland, from her frantic encounters with the White Rabbit to the mischievous Cheshire Cat and the formidable Queen of Hearts. Beyond the acting, the vibrant songs and choreography truly celebrated the power of curiosity and friendship.

A production this size is a massive team effort. A huge thank you to our creative leads—Miss Salli, Miss Ellie, Coach Orm, Coach Mina, Kru Por, Khun June and the many people working behind the scenes, you made the magic happen! The team and I are so incredibly proud of our phenomenal students, performing to a sellout crowd, with such passion and joy—congratulations! Many wonderful memories and friendships have been made that will no doubt remain for years to come. Ms Howells - Director of CAPA

Art Exhibition Showcases Outstanding Student Work

A dynamic showcase of creativity transformed the Atrium during the recent art exhibition. The showcase featured an impressive range of achievements, from self-portraits inspired by artists Eduardo Bertone and Belin, to sculptural studies of underwater creatures and imaginative ice-cream sculptures. Through these pieces, students demonstrated growing confidence in using artistic techniques, experimenting with a variety of media, and visually communicating their thoughts and ideas. Well done to all the students involved; it is amazing to see so much creativity, passion, and talent on display. The Art Department

Digital Wellbeing and TikTok Safety

While TikTok offers a vast stream of entertainment, its fast-paced algorithm frequently exposes young users to significant digital wellbeing risks. From age-inappropriate content and harmful challenges to the pressures of addictive design and targeted in-app spending, the platform presents a complex environment. Unrestricted access can lead students to encounter misinformation, inappropriate interactions, and trends that negatively influence their critical thinking and mental health.

Equipping young people to safely navigate this space requires a united front between home and school. We encourage parents to initiate open, non-judgemental conversations about their children’s viewing habits and online interactions. Utilising tools like Family Pairing and discussing the reality behind persuasive algorithms builds their digital resilience and confidence.

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 configuring safety settings and recognising the signs of excessive screen time. If you have any immediate concerns about your child’s digital habits or wellbeing, 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.

Second Place Finish for the Aqua Panthers at PISAC Championship

The Aqua Panthers delivered another outstanding performance this past weekend at PISAC 2026, finishing 2nd overall as a team. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout from our swimmers, with athletes from both campuses coming together to compete, support one another, and proudly represent the Panthers community.

One thing that stood out throughout the entire meet was the incredible sense of community between our athletes, parents, and coaches from both campuses. Relay teams combined swimmers from both schools, friendships continued to grow poolside, and the support shown between teammates during races was exceptional. It was great to see swimmers cheering each other on every session and celebrating one another’s successes as one united team.

The coaches were extremely proud of the effort, attitude, and determination shown by all swimmers across the weekend. Every swimmer from our team achieved at least one personal best time, which is a fantastic reflection of their hard work and commitment in training.

Special congratulations goes to our High Point Award winners:

• Daniil (3 White, Cherngtalay) – 1st Place, 8 & Under Boys

• Lochy (4 Blue, Cherngtalay) – 2nd Place, 8 & Under Boys

• Se-A (4 White, Chaofah City) – 3rd Place, 8 & Under Girls

• Harry (8 White, Chaofah City) – 3rd Place, 11–12 Boys

• Christian (8 Blue, Chaofah City) – 4th Place, 11–12 Boys

• Pavel (8 White, Chaofah City) – 4th Place, 13–14 Boys

The team also had many swimmers qualify for finals and several athletes achieve personal best times in every event they competed in, highlighting the depth, commitment, and continued progress across the entire program.

This meet marked our final competition in Phuket for the year, making it an especially meaningful way to close out the local season. Looking ahead, we are excited to have four qualifiers representing the Aqua Panthers at the Singapore National Swimming Championships, as well as a group of 30 swimmers heading to Bangkok for the Patana Summer Sizzle in June.

Thank you to all of our Aqua Panther families for your continued support throughout the season. Your encouragement, positivity, and commitment help create such a strong team culture and allow our swimmers to continue growing both in and out of the pool.

We are incredibly proud of the entire team and excited for what’s ahead. Go Aqua Panthers!

Secondary Update: Alumni Mentorship and Key Stage 4 Transition

Secondary students at Cherngtalay Campus engaged in an afternoon focused on leadership, academic transition, and creative teamwork.

Former Head Girl and Head Boy, Jane and Elisey, returned to share their experiences of life at Chaofah City Campus. Speaking to each year group, they reflected on their journey through school, the opportunities they embraced, and the lessons they learned. They offered thoughtful advice to students about making the most of their time at school and approaching future challenges with confidence. Staff observed how maturely Jane and Elisey addressed their audience.

Year 9 students took an important step towards the next stage of their learning journey with a presentation from Mr Sumsion, who will become their Pastoral Coordinator in Year 10. Students were introduced to the expectations of IGCSE and BTEC study, learning about the responsibility, organisation, and resilience needed to succeed as they move into Key Stage 4.

The afternoon concluded with the House Trashion Show. Working against the clock, each House had 30 minutes to design and create a wearable outfit using reusable materials and recycled items before showcasing their creations on the catwalk. Students demonstrated exceptional teamwork, imagination, and creativity under pressure. Jane and Elisey judged the competition, selecting an overall winner from the designs on display. Congratulations to Tiger House, who were crowned this year’s House Trashion Show champions.

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!

• Kevin(Reception Blue) won a Gold medal in the individual by weight division and a Gold medal in the individual open weight division at the Singapore International Judo Open.

• Liam(5 White) achieved Second Runner-up in the Boys under 10 category at the Trang Tennis Open 2026.

• Chawin(5 Yellow) earned a Gold medal at the Kangaroo Math 2026 competition.

• Jonathan(3 Yellow) won a Bronze medal and a Silver medal at the Judo Singapore Invitational.

• Zai-Taung(2 White) won a Gold Medal and the Excellent Participant award for Electone Team Talent - U10 at the Yamaha Thailand Music Festival 2026.

• Tuang(4 Yellow) won a Gold Medal for Electone Team Talent - U10 at the Yamaha Thailand Music Festival 2026.

• Aqua Panthers Academy competed in the PISAC Championship, securing second place overall in the team event. A big congratulations to everyone who competed so hard over the weekend!

• Basketball Academy delivered great performances in the PISAC Championship from our U15 Boys, U13, and U11 teams. A standout performance goes to the U13 Girls who claimed Gold, and the U13 Boys who won Bronze!

Parents Pickleball Cup

RaccoonPB is hosting Phuket’s first School Parents Pickleball Cup, offering an active way for families to connect on the court.

Taking place on Saturday, 6 June at The Peak Racquet Park, the tournament features two divisions to accommodate all skill levels. The Beginner Division is designed for those with a DUPR under 3.5 and no competitive sports background, while the Open Division welcomes more experienced players. Teams consist of pairs with no gender restrictions, and entry is THB 800 per person.

The event includes cash prizes, vouchers, and a lucky draw, with spaces limited to 12 pairs per division. Interested parents can register before 25 May by visiting the booking link.

📲 Registration form

🗓️ Deadline: 25 May, 2026