Weekly Update #10, 10 November 2023

French Reading Book Donation Drive

Chères familles francophones,

Nous faisons appel à votre générosité et passion pour la lecture pour aider à enrichir notre département de langues. Si vous avez des livres en français pour enfants ou adolescents dont vos familles n’ont plus besoin, nous serions ravis de les recevoir en don. Ces livres contribueront à l’épanouissement de nos élèves et à la promotion de la langue française. Vous pouvez déposer vos dons au bureau de sécurité, à l’attention du département des Langues à HeadStart. Votre contribution fera une grande différence, et nous vous remercions infiniment pour votre soutien.

Loy Krathong Celebration 2023

Parent Meeting 9: End of Term 1 Exams, Revision, Student Reports and Grades

Thanks to the many parents who attended our latest presentation given by Mr. Williams, Head of Foundation and Primary, about our forthcoming Term 1 exams and the subsequent end of term report card. Mr. Williams explained how our teachers use continuous assessment across all subjects to monitor and communicate student progress towards Age Related Expectations (ARE) and how the assessments that children will take (in English Reading and Maths, as well as Science in Years 3-6) will provide a summative grade in their report card. Understanding the relationship, and finding the right balance, between these two important progress markers, is key to getting the most out of this integral academic process.

To view a copy of the presentation, click on the link below.

Parent Meeting 10: Positive Parenting Workshop for Thai Parents

Come join us! ประชุมผู้ปกครองไทย บรรยายเป็นภาษาไทย

We welcome Thai-speaking parents to join us for our latest parent meeting when we will talk parents through positive parenting strategies and offer hints and tips on how to ensure your child can learn positive behaviours for school and home. We look forward to seeing you there! Thursday 16th November 2023 from 8:15-9:30am in the Primary Hall (second floor of Sports Building).

HeadStart Parent Committee Visit

On Wednesday 8th November, we were delighted to welcome members of our Team HeadStart Parent Committee at our Chaofah City campus for their first ever visit to our new school!

Guided around our wonderful facility by our Founder and CEO, Mr. Jazon Edouard, Head of School, Mr. Adam Drew, and Head of Foundation and Primary, Mr. Tony Williams, these integral, long-standing members of our school community were wowed by the progress that we have made this year and given a glimpse into what lies in store as Phase 2 of our development plan gathers pace. Sincere thanks to our Parent Committee for their continued support in helping HeadStart Cherngtalay to inspire a love of learning!

The donations just keep on coming thanks to the amazing generosity of our school community! As you will have seen from our mock Phuket Sunshine Village house, an unbelievable 36 PSV children have already received 3,000 Baht in sponsorship - a reflection of the more than 110,000 Baht we have raised as a school community!

Special mention goes to Year 6 who have managed to raise an incredible 14,600 Baht through their fundraising efforts. Just 400 Baht more and Year 6 will have sponsored 5 children at PSV, helping to cover a new school uniform, socks and shoes, transport to and from school and school lunch for one whole year. Such a contribution can make a huge difference to the lives of PSV children and is serves to strengthen our ties with the local community and develop ways in which we can educate our own students to share the good fortune that we enjoy.

Science Week at HeadStart Cherngtalay was an exhilarating exploration into the world of weird and wacky investigations, bringing an extra layer of excitement to the regular classroom routine. Students delved into hands-on activities that sparked their curiosity and fueled their passion for science. In lessons, budding scientists concocted lava lamps, crafted bubble snakes, and delved into the microscopic realm with awe-inspiring investigations using microscopes. Crystallisation studies added a touch of geological mystery to the mix, captivating students with the mesmerising process of crystal formation. See below to find out some of the great learning that has been going on!

Using Creativity to Mix Colours in Preschool

Adding food colouring to playdough engages preschoolers’ creativity by allowing them to mix colours and feel the different textures. This hands-on activity provides a sensory experience, aiding in fine motor skills development and teaching basic colour theory. Most importasntly, the Early Years children absolutely loved this activity!

Discovering Balance and Weight in Early Years

In the Early Years, children actively engage in scientific exploration using various measuring tools. They enjoyed exploring weight by selecting miniature animal toys and carefully positioning them on either side of a scale, discovering the principles of balance and weight in an enjoyable and interactive manner.

Using Microscopes to Magnify in Year 1 and 2

Year 1 Yellow had the exciting opportunity to use microscopes (for some children, this was the very first time they had used them!). The children examined a number of different objects at up to 1200x magnification. They then drew what they observed.

Developing Construction Skills in Year 2

Year 2 teamed up to construct their very own mini catapults. Armed with popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and buckets of imagination, these young scientists giggled and dove into the fascinating world of how things move. The room was filled with the bouncy excitement of their tiny catapults, showcasing the incredible kinetic energy as they joyfully sent little objects soaring through the air. It was an exhilarating adventure that not only made learning about science super fun but also introduced these kiddos to the awesome concept of kinetic energy!

Investigating Rocks and the Crystallisation Process in Year 3

Connected to our science topic, Rocks, Year 3 have explored the crystallisation process. We have set aside our experiment and are waiting patiently for what is to come…

Chasing Rainbow Bubble Snakes in Year 4

One of the curious questions that the Year 4s investigated during science week was how rainbows are formed. Having given it some scientific thought and made predictions, they then carried out a fun and exciting experiment where they got to create their very own rainbow bubble snakes.

Creating Lava Lamps in Year 5

Year 5 created their own lava lamps while at the same time finding out that water and oil do not mix as a result of the greater density of oil. They had great fun doing this activity, especially when it got very messy at the end!

Investigating Density in Year 6 Chemistry Lessons

Do water and oil mix? If not, why not? Which one floats to the top? And why? These are just some of the questions that had Year 6 investigating the topic of density this week!

Science @ Lunchtime!

During lunchtime, the scientific fervour continued as students gathered in their Houses to engage in a plethora of exhilarating science experiments. The House competition, a highlight of the week, challenged students to construct the tallest, self-standing structure using only spaghetti and marshmallows. The ingenuity of the participants shone through as they embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. Other exciting experiments included creating a biodegradable form of plastic, known as casein, from just milk and vinegar— an intriguing process reminiscent of historical jewelry-making techniques reportedly used by Queen Mary of England. The marble run, magic milk colour mixing, and a variety of other captivating activities, rounded out a week filled with exploration, discovery, and scientific wonder.

Thanks to our House Captains, Sophie (Yellow Cheetahs), Way (Blue Tigers), Seara (Green Dragons) and Max (Red Phoenixes), as well as our ever energetic teachers, for supporting the younger children to work so collaboratively in their house teams!

Water Play Fun in Foundation

Foundation children had a wonderful time during water play: splashing, pouring and testing the buoyancy of different objects! Water play can enhance children’s skills, coordination and physical fitness through lifting, pouring, carrying, running and splashing as well as allowing them to explore and interact with each other. Water play also promotes sensory development as children feel the different textures and temperatures of the water, while also encouraging cognitive development as they observe cause and effect relationships, such as watching objects float or sink. A splashing good time for everyone!

Developing Drawing Skills through Observation in Art Club

The Art Club ECA for Year 1 & 2 has given the children the opportunity to develop their drawing skills as well as their listening and observation skills. Here is just a selection of some of the amazing art work that the children have produced. Well done!

Year 3 Field-trip to the Botanical Gardens

Year 3 had a super trip to the Botanic Gardens on Tuesday. Some highlights were seeing the magnificent Cactus Garden, feeding the fish and taking soil samples at various locations in the gardens. Connected to our learning on Rocks, we will now analyse our soil samples. What an excellent first trip for Year 3 North!

Collaborating to Investigate Mathematically in Year 5

In Year 5, the children have been learning about square and cube numbers. They worked collaboratively to solve questions and then find the answers placed around the room. Once they found the answer, they found a letter or symbol which gave them a phrase to work out. The phrase was ‘Year 5 love maths!’ and they definitely do!

International Ballet Week - An Enchanted Evening with Russian Ballet in Phuket

The alluring island of Phuket is set to dazzle residents and visitors this December as it becomes the stage for the St. Petersburg State Academic Ballet Theatre, named after Leonid Yakobson. As part of the celebrated Russian Ballet Week, the theatre will bring the globally cherished classics "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker" to the heart of Phuket.

On 23rd and 24th December, the renowned Siam Niramit Phuket will open its doors to these monumental ballets. Renowned for its architectural grandeur and cultural significance, Siam Niramit Phuket offers the perfect setting for an evening of elegance and storytelling through dance.

The arrival of "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker" in Phuket marks a new chapter in the island’s artistic journey, inviting audiences to partake in a ballet experience filled with grace, beauty, and the indomitable spirit of the Russian ballet tradition.

This landmark event is brought to the shores of Phuket by Art of Events, a name synonymous with creating unparalleled event experiences. The staging of such iconic ballets signifies a celebration of the arts and a continuation of Thai-Russian cultural exchange.

To be a part of this transcendent ballet experience, secure your tickets at https://balet.arteventsphuket.com

Christmas Charity Pantomime

Junkyard Theatrix in cooperation with The Good Shepherd Phuket Town is all set to perform its fourth annual Christmas charity pantomime, this time Snow White: The Pantomime! You won’t want to miss this, wild and rollicking fun for the whole family! Are you coming? ‘Oh, yes, you are!’ December 1, 2, and 3 from 7 to 9pm. Tickets now on sale at the address on the attached poster or via the website: https://www.junkyardtheatre.com/shows/a-night-at-the-junkyard