Weekly Update #6, 30 September 2022
Upcoming events can be found on the website under School Life → Calendar and are outlined here for easy reference. If you have questions or require further assistance please email [email protected]
| Date | Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-7 October | PE & Sports Faculty week | ||
| 04 October | Under 9 & 11 Cross country | at BISP | |
| 8.15am | Parents meeting: for Year 1 Parents | Secondary Hall | |
| 05 October | Under 13, 15 and Over 15 Cross Country | at BISP | |
| 06 October | 8.15am | UPrep Drop in & Future Ready Workshops | Nakita Coffee shop |
| 10-17 October | Mid-term Break | ||
| 17 October | Teacher INSET (training) Day | ||
| 18 October | 8.15am | Parent meeting: Thai University Application & Admission Requirements | Secondary Hall |
| 20 October | 8.15am | UPrep Talk #3- Choosing subjects and careers | Secondary Hall |
| 20-21 October | 12.30-1.25pm | Battle of the Bands (Secondary activity) | Dining room |
| 21 October | 2.00-3.00pm | Primary Student Council Meeting | Conference room |
| Announcements |
Adam Drew
Since joining HeadStart International School in August 2014, I have been genuinely impressed by the hard work and commitment of all those involved in making HeadStart a place where students are inspired to have the ‘love of learning’ described in the school’s motto. The school community here is one of the best I have ever-worked with and the positive energy that this creates enables us to achieve so much together. Since our last inspection where the school was rated as a good with a number of outstanding features highlighted, I strongly believe that HeadStart International School is well on the way to becoming one of the best schools in Thailand, providing the highest standards in teaching and learning. As we prepare for the next phase where we hope to gain a solid ‘Outstanding’ rating, the next few years will be a truly exciting time for all those involved. Having had a successful Teaching career in the UK for a number of years and having worked in various different management positions, my wife Amy and I made the decision to move to Thailand in 2012 where I worked at an International School in Bangkok. The opportunity to make a real impact at HeadStart and to help shape the future successes of the school drew me to move to Phuket. On a personal level, I am a keen sportsman and have an interest in many sports both as a spectator or participant. A highlight for me was having a leadership position for Event Services at the London 2012 Olympic Games. I am also keen golfer and compete in many of the regular competitions held here in Phuket and further afield. My wife Amy is a teacher in the Foundation department having joined HeadStart shortly after I did. Since working at HeadStart we have become parents for the first time. Ted Drew was born in April 2018 and is excited to be joining pre-school in this academic year. I look forward to continuing to working with the inspired staff and students and the committed and supportive parents that make up the HeadStart. Together we will ensure that we continue to build on the existing successes of the school and make each academic year even more successful than the last. Please feel free to email me at any time to discuss your ideas on how we can do this together. I look forward to meeting you again as the year progresses!
Dear Parents,
After two and half years, three periods of school closures, multiple vaccination drives, a sandbox and more than 70 ‘Covid Updates’ from me, you may be glad to know this should be the last one I send!
Effective 1st of October, the Thai Authorities have reclassified Covid-19 as a ‘communicable disease under surveillance’. As a result of this, the emergency decree is ending on the 30th of September, the CCSA is being disbanded and regulations, announcements and orders under the decree are being revoked.
With the authorities removing these regulations we are able to announce that from Monday 3rd of October 2022, the wearing of masks anywhere on the school site, including classrooms is no longer required. We understand that that some members of our community feel more comfortable continuing to wear masks. We respect this viewpoint and they are welcome to continue wearing masks in school. However, mask wearing is now optional rather than mandatory including in classrooms.
All other Covid regulations are now removed. We do request that if any student has any cold/flu like symptoms they are kept at home until these symptoms have subsided.
Although testing is no longer required, if a child tests positive for Covid at any time, they should remain off-school for a period of five days including the day that they test positive. They should only return to school when they no longer have symptoms.
We look forward to conducting a full range of academic, sporting and enrichment activities throughout the school year and for the final time, I thank you all sincerely for the patience and support you have shown as we have navigated our way through the last two and half years of this pandemic.
| Meetings |
Introduction to the IGCSE Curriculum on 27.09.22
On Tuesday the 27th September Mr Davidson, Deputy Head of Secondary (Academic), gave a presentation introducing parents to the IGCSE Curriculum. We hope the information presented was helpful and that everyone who attended has a better grasp of what students will experience in Secondary in terms of learning. If you weren’t able to make it to the presentation, the notes are provided in the download below.
UPrep Talk 2 and Upcoming Drop In Session
On Thursday the 29th of September our University Preparation (UPrep) team delivered the second talk for term 1 on the subject of ‘Your Child’s 5 Year Plan’. If you were not able to make it to the presentation you can find meeting notes via a download below. Our UPrep team is ready and willing to answer any of your questions! Our next UPrep Drop In session is on the 6th of October at 8.15am in the Nakita’s coffee shop on the first floor. If you are not able to make it in to school feel free to contact our Head of Sixth Form, Ms Indu Bedi by writing to [email protected] or our University Counsellor Ms Sarah Gratton at [email protected] and our Sixth Form secretary Ms Waree at [email protected].
| Alumni News |
Congratulations to Vasco De Graaff, former Head Boy and 2019 HeadStart graduate, (and friends) on winning 2nd place in the Hack Zurich 2022 competition in Switzerland on the 18-19th of September. Vasco and his team were selected from a global pool of 4,000 engineering student applicants, representing several elite universities from over 75 countries, for a 40 hour competition with the mission to hack into specific web and mobile hardware. Vasco has completed 2 years studying Computer Science at Delft University in Netherlands and is currently taking a gab year before continuing his degree. Vasco is now working as a Backend Engineer at an online Bank called ‘Bunq’ in Amsterdam. Well done Vasco! Wishing you all the best and hoping to hear more good news!
| Chinese Language Day |
On Saturday 24th of September we held the very first Chinese Language Day at HeadStart! For this occasion, a group of Foundation, Primary and Secondary students and their parents, came to HeadStart to participate in a range of fun activities. Walking around the classrooms where these activities were held, could be seen enthusiastic Chinese speaking families practicing their Calligraphy skills, bringing back childhood memories for some of our parents and initiating the youngest ones to this beautiful art form.
Across the wall, another group of parents and students were participating in a ‘mindfulness’ activity by drawing and painting on traditional round fans. Both parents and students enjoyed a moment of relaxation. The pictures will show our talented participants in action.
Following these two more ‘settled’ activities, families were gathered in the school atrium for a treasure hunt which saw some highly motivated parents and students ‘rush-off’ to find the 12 clues that were scattered around the school. Three ‘lightning fast’ families completed the hunt and were gifted prizes for their efforts! All the participants were treated to a tasty buffet in the canteen prepared by Chef and also enjoyed delicious food prepared by several of our Chinese speaking families.
The Language faculty would like to thank all the parents and students for attending this event. We are looking forward to the next one that will be held in Term 2!
| PE & Sports |
PISAC X-Country
Next week our Primary and Secondary students will be competing in the BISP PISAC Cross Country race. Parents are welcome to come and watch and the days and times are as follows.
| Primary | Year 4-6 | Tuesday, 4th October | 16.00-17.00 |
| Secondary | Wednesday, 5th October | 16.00-17.30 |
PE Faculty Week
Next week is PE Faculty week where we will be hosting the Tag Rugby World Cup in PE lessons. Students have been learning skills and game play in order to take part in this inter house competition and during the week students will be able to accumulate house points. The winning house will be announced on Friday 7th October. - Ms Wilson
Aqua Panthers
On Monday the 26th, the Aqua Panthers took over Blue Tree! We had a team open water swim followed by games and various activities. Everyone who attended had a great time and we are all looking forward to our next team bonding trip. Next up for the Aqua Panthers is the BISP Pentathlon on the 29th of October. See you poolside! -Coach Brown
Female Panther Championships
This week we welcomed the first fixture of the year in the HeadStart Female Championships. The first game was played over 3 thirds of highly competitive football between the HeadStart staff team and the Panthers girls. With some excellent debut performances in the panthers colours. I would like to mention some exceptional players who were outstanding. Great job to Christina, Tais and Linda who exceeded what was expected of them during the match. -Coach Nueng
BIPS U14 Girls v HeadStart U14/15 Girls
Well done to our U14 Panthers Girls team who travelled to BIS this week. This match was a huge challenge and it was a pleasure to see how the girls pushed each other and worked together for the duration of the fixture. The players were understandably nervous at the start of the match, but once the nerves had settled they started to play some excellent flowing football, creating combinations and shooting opportunities and defending bravely and intelligently. Well done girls! - Coach Paul
| Creative & Performing Arts |
Our CAPA HeadStar of the Week this week went to Jessica Manton in year 10. Jessica has approached her Drama studies with focus and enthusiasm, completing tasks to the best of her abilities. Of particular note is her collaborative and leadership skills. A great start to her IGCSE studies, well done Jessica!
‘The Glitch’ 2022 Dance Recital
Creative Arts at HeadStart is an outstanding feature of our school and we are proud of the numerous power packed, colorful, fun and professional shows that have entertained the island of Phuket throughout the years. This is thanks to the guidance of our highly professional teams committed to excellence. Now presenting ‘The Glitch’ our Dance Recital for 2022 packed with a huge variety of dancing styles from students in every key stage in the school. -Ms Mina, Head Dance Coach
To see this, and many other exciting aspects of CAPA life, please follow us on [Instagram}(capa_headstars) and on our dedicated Facebook page
Art
Year 10 have been working on their portraiture skills, can you identify the year 10 art student? -Mr Dagnall, Art Co-ordinator
| Foundation |
This week we have welcomed parents into school for our first ‘Stay and Play’ sessions. I would like to take the time to thank all our parents for joining us for these special moments. These experiences support home/school bonds and show our youngest learners that we all work together. Our stay and play sessions were themed around ‘All about me’. Children created drawings of themselves, and family trees while also engaging in messy activities. We all can’t wait for our next sessions and look forward to inviting you all in for more play-based experiences. -Ms Natalie Walker A full album of photos can be found on the HeadStart Facebook Page
| Primary |
Primary Student Council
The Primary Student Council had a wonderful first meeting, which was full of amazing enthusiasm and a real energy and care for improving the school experience for primary children. Congratulations to all who have been elected. We are all looking forward to working together, sharing ideas and collaborating to lead Primary through an exciting Year. -Mr Clarke
- Varinda Kumar, Year 3 Blue / Rada Sukahotu, Year 3 White / Nida Chumkaew, Year 3 Yellow
- Sophie Lila Campbell, Year 4 Blue / Polina Kotchetkova, Year 4 White / Jagger Thebaut, Year 4 Yellow
- Punnapa (Pun) Suwankumnoet, Year 5 Blue / Chayada (Jan) Ratanathanmas, Year 5 White / Kunanon (Pokpong) Woraveerakul, Year 5 Yellow
- Enzo Wei, Year 6 Blue / Kamila Boltovskaia, Year 6 White / Jasmine Prachumpan, Year 6 Yellow
Deputy Head Boy: Sebastian Emms and Deputy Head Girl: Buahom Watcharin Head Boy: John Chadwick and Head Girl: Seoha Im
James Scutt
My name is James Scutt, and my teacher name is Mr. Scutt. I’m new to Thailand and HeadStart but have been teaching internationally for more than ten years. Before moving to Phuket, I lived in Seoul, South Korea and before that I lived in the Cayman Islands. I was born in Cambridge, England a long time ago. I went to university in London and then started working for City and County Councils for Social Services. That’s where I became passionate about helping people. I trained as a Primary teacher in Portsmouth. After that I became a Computing & ICT specialist and worked with every year group from Nursery to Year 11. I like to challenge myself and took on lots of opportunities including Pastoral, Safeguarding, Education Technology, Teaching and Learning, and Professional Development. I’m also a Council of International Schools Evaluator which means I’m lucky enough to visit other schools around the world to help them become even better. During my teaching career I’ve taught thousands of students from different backgrounds, abilities and passions. I like to come to school every day because it’s the most fun place in the world, and I work with fantastic educators and lots of wonderful children who love to learn - just like me. School and life can be tough sometimes, and I believe it’s really important to talk about how we’re feeling and also ask for help when things get challenging. My role as Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral) means that I’ll work with all classes, and hopefully together we can keep building on the great work already happening at HeadStart. I like fun sports, scuba diving, cooking, reading, digital painting, writing, photography, going to the gym, and DJing. I like to try new things and try to say yes to opportunities that I’m offered. This year will be an amazing year for all of us at Headstart, and I’m looking forward to creating it with you.
Teaching Children How to Grow Their Own Food
This week year 5 completed their first gardening lesson in a programme of work that has been designed in collaboration with The Phuket Farmers. This programme not only promotes teaching pupils how to grow their own food, but also skills up teachers to deliver lessons that educate pupils how to plant and successfully grow a range of fruit and vegetables in what is actually quite a complex environment. The Phuket Farmers have a wealth of knowledge to support and guide both teachers and pupils on how to successfully plan and develop their individual class garden plots throughout both the rainy and dry season. Not only do we have the expertise of the Phuket Farmers, but we also have a talented and dedicated team of school gardeners to support projects on a daily basis.
During their first session the pupils learnt about what was already established in the garden area and made plans on what they would like to grow based on their new knowledge of why certain plants are better suited to the local conditions. They enjoyed an observational quiz which helped them to learn the names of a range of plants and were fascinated by how coconut husks and elephant manure will be used to promote the growth of their plants.
A range of skills will be developed through the gardening projects, and already the pupils are discussing enterprise projects which will promote team work, communication and problem solving skills. Not only that, the lessons will also encourage a great sense of responsibility as they commit to long term growing projects.
Buddy Time
This week we started Year 10 Buddy Time during homeroom in Year 3 Blue. Year 10 students came to read with our Year 3 Blue students. Year 3 students loved reading a book of their choice to the Year 10s and Year 10s were very helpful in supporting the Year 3 students when reading difficult words, with their fluency and in boosting their confidence. -Ms Kelly Tuppen
| BTEC |
Yardenna Jones
My name is Yardenna Jones and I joined HeadStart in 2019. I am from the UK and I grew up in South Wales. I have a BA Honours degree in Journalism which I studied at Southampton Solent University. After university I assisted in the set-up of a small business, a fashion retailer in Bournemouth. I also continued with my love of journalism and travel by becoming an assistant editor of a travel & lifestyle magazine. Educating others and working with young people had always been a passion of mine, and I was keen to further my lifelong learning as I believe this is important continue with personal growth and development. With this in mind I moved to London and studied a DTLLS (Diploma to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector) with Business and Travel & Tourism being my subject specialisms because of my industry experience. In the UK I was working at Brooklands College in Surrey teaching Business and Travel & Tourism. More recently I have taught at Westminster Kingsway College in London an inner city school with children from varying backgrounds and ethnicities. I have now been teaching these subjects with awarding bodies BTEC, OCR City & Guilds and NCFE for 5 years and I am very experienced with the 14-19 age group. I love working with these ages- it's such an exciting and significant time for students. I’m very passionate about creating a positive learning environment and want to inspire my students to be independent and motivated during this crucial time of becoming a young adult. I am so excited to be continuing with the delivery and coordination of the BTEC programmes at HeadStart. For a learner It can be such a valuable experience and enjoyable way of achieving a qualification. Watching a student grow and learn an array of transferable and employability skills in a holistic environment is a wonderful experience for all involved. Outside of the classroom I practice mindfulness, yoga and I am passionate about spreading the importance of sustainable living. I have travelled much of South East Asia and look forward to more adventures this year as travel is a great passion of mine!
Glion and Les Roche, the world’s leading hospitality schools visited the BTEC Business and Travel and Tourism students this week. The students learnt about the programmes of Les Roches Global Hospitality Education and Glion Swiss Hotel School. The presentation was very interesting for students who study Business, Travel & Tourism or are interested in a career in the hospitality industry. They delivered an informative and interactive workshop on the Hospitality industry, Marketing and Business and put their Hospitality and business management skills to the test through leadership and business exercises.
Les Roches has University campuses in Switzerland, China, the USA and Spain and is considered one of the top 5 institutions for higher education in the field of hotel management. This school, in which students develop a comprehensive understanding of management in the hospitality industry, represents a combination of academic excellence, a direct learning approach and real-life challenges. Glion also prepares graduates for complex challenges in dynamic fields of hotel management, tourism, organisation of sports events, and the luxury goods industry. Whilst at sixth, the BTEC students are introduced to the many job opportunities that are available to them within this industry. Thank you Glion and Les Roche for giving our students a taste of your world renowned Hospitality and Business programme!
BTEC Business and Travel and Tourism visited the PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism) event on Monday, a conference day rallying the hotel industry and its stakeholders to discuss environmental sustainability. The students spent the morning in the exhibition area where sustainability products were showcased by industry experts. The students networked with the many businesses asking about the branding, marketing, and evaluated their customer service and the overall presentation of the event itself. They came away having built relationships for collaborations with many of the businesses in the very near future! - Ms Yardenna Jones
| Around the Island |
𝖱𝖲𝖠 𝖪𝗂𝖽𝗌 𝖥𝗅𝖺𝗀 𝖥𝗈𝗈𝗍𝖻𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝖢𝖺𝗆𝗉
Learn, play, and compete with athletes ages 6-13 years old. Flag Football is an engaging, fun, non-contact sport that requires teamwork, perseverance, and a positive mentality. We welcome all young athletes at any skill level. Send us a message to officially register. Benefits: English proficiency, cognitive development, strength, speed, and agility development, character and social bonding. Dates: 10-12 of October. Who for? U9-U13 (6-13 years olds). Time: 3.00 - 5.00 pm.
Learn to Sail!
Do you want to learn or practice sailing? Java Yachting offers a 5-day/4-night camp in October half term break. Special package for HeadStart families. To sign up or learn more about it, call us at <064-1955140>.
Spartan Race 2022
The Spartan Race is coming to Phuket! 26-27 November at Blue Tree. If you are unfamiliar with the Spartan Race, it is an obstacle course race that provides a challenge for every fitness level. It is a great family event. Adults can choose a challenging course of 5k or 10k with various obstacles and for the little ones there is an 800 - 3k race depending on age. Needless to say, it is a great day out and whether you are supporting or participating, you will have a great time. Train together with your kids or cheer them on (or let them cheer you on). -Coach Erik Bohm
- To sign up or get more info: https://race.spartan.com/en/race/detail/7870/overview
- Join the Speed & Strength 10 week training plan created by Hayden Rhodes and Effortless Running to prepare you for this great weekend of outdoor fun. More info here: https://www.effortlessrunning.com/…/tra…/speed-strength/
50 Fly
50 Fly is back with some fantastic packages for HeadStart families. Just show your HeadStart student badge when you arrive.
