The joy of back-to-school day

In just over a week, the new 2025-2026 academic year will officially begin. This week, schools across the province have welcomed students back to school. A variety of welcoming activities have been held to create a lively and uplifting atmosphere, bringing joy to students, especially those entering new educational levels.

A teacher at Phuoc Tin A Primary School (Phuoc Long Ward) guides students in proper writing techniques. Photo: Collaborator.

In addition to focusing on professional expertise and ensuring effective teaching and learning, building a “happy school” is a goal that schools are striving for and are committed to implementing from the very beginning of the academic year.

Accompanying students to school

On August 25, more than 200 first-grade students of An Hao Primary School (Tran Bien Ward) attended their first day of school. Previously, on August 23, the school held a meeting for parents of first graders. One of the key points communicated by the school to parents was its expectation that on the first day of school, parents would take time to bring their children to school and participate together in activities designed to strengthen bonds between parents, teachers, and students.

An Hao Primary School set up a decorated area where parents and students could “check in” and capture beautiful, memorable moments on the first day of school. Students enjoyed performances featuring Vovinam martial arts, music, and modern dance, and took part in fun, prize-winning games.

Following the outdoor activities, homeroom teachers guided students on a tour of the school grounds and functional rooms. They then participated in learning activities in dedicated classrooms for Mathematics and Science taught in English by foreign teachers, and explored hands-on experiences in STEAM and Robotics.

Principal of An Hao Primary School, Pham Thi Nguyet, said that in the 2025-2026 academic year, the school will enhance the teaching of Mathematics and Science in English, with 50% of the instruction time delivered by foreign teachers and the remaining 50% by the school’s teachers. This initiative was recently introduced to first-grade parents during the beginning-of-year meeting and was well-received, with over 80% of parents registering their children for this program.

By August 28, students of the remaining grades at An Hao Primary School will return to school. Although they will not receive the grand welcome activities reserved for first graders, they will still participate in games designed to create a joyful and excited mindset for the new school year.

Phuoc Tin A Primary School (Phuoc Long Ward) also welcomed over 140 first-grade students on August 25. On their first day at school, students were guided by their homeroom teachers to familiarize themselves with school regulations, as well as practices for preserving and using notebooks, proper sitting postures, and correct pen-holding techniques.

Although it was the first day of school, the students were already familiar with the school, having visited it before the end of the 2024–2025 academic year. In May 2025, Phuoc Tin A Primary School organized a visit and experience day for incoming first-grade students. As part of the program, fifth-grade students and teachers greeted the young newcomers at the school gate. The students were introduced to the school by the Board of Directors and guided by teachers on a tour of the campus, including the music room, library, and computer lab.

Thanks to this early introduction, the students felt more at ease and less overwhelmed on their first day of the new school year.

Students in the remaining grades of Phuoc Tin A Primary School will return to class on August 28. In the first days of the school year, teachers will guide them in reviewing prior knowledge to prepare for the new curriculum.

Caring for students in difficult circumstances

To support students facing difficult circumstances, schools have mobilized benefactors to provide gifts and scholarships. This academic year, Le Van Tam Primary School (Long Khanh Ward) has over 700 students, most of whom are children of laborers, with many coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. As of the days leading up to the new school year, the school had mobilized 40 gift sets (including clothing and school supplies) and 6 scholarships for students in this group.

Nghia Trung Commune is home to 13 educational institutions, from preschool to lower secondary level, including one private independent preschool. Many of these schools serve students from disadvantaged backgrounds. To provide the best support for students and ease the burden on parents, the People's Committee of Nghia Trung Commune has mobilized donations of school supplies and scholarships. As of August 24, the commune had secured 20 bicycles, 50 scholarships (each worth 1 million VND), and numerous gift sets, including backpacks and school supplies.

In a joint effort to support students in difficult circumstances, Dong Nai Newspaper, Radio and Television also organized the “Supporting Your Journey to School 2025” program. Accordingly, the unit awarded 60 scholarships (1 million VND each) and 800 notebooks to disadvantaged students in Thuan Loi and Binh Tan communes, while donating 12 bicycles (2 million VND each) and 25 scholarships (1 million VND each) to students in need in Xuan Hoa commune. In the future, Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio and Television will distribute additional scholarships and gifts to disadvantaged students in various localities across the province..

During the first week of the school year, schools will focus on class organization, introducing school rules, and providing students with essential skill guidance. At the same time, through interaction and communication, teachers will assess and categorize students in order to develop teaching plans suited to their learning abilities, ensuring they are well-prepared for the start of the new academic year.

Representatives of school administrations stated that they will mobilize benefactors to support students throughout the academic year. This effort will also be accompanied by local authorities, mass organizations, and social associations to ensure no student is left behind. 

By: Hai Yen

Translated by: Tam Binh - Minho