Dong Nai: Thousands of “golden pig” students enter grade 1

On the morning of August 25, primary schools across Dong Nai province simultaneously welcomed first graders for the 2025–2026 academic year. This cohort was born in 2019, the lunar Year of the Pig, traditionally considered the “Golden Pig” year.

Parents excitedly take their children to school on the morning of August 25. Photo: Cong Nghia

Primary schools organized formal ceremonies to welcome grade 1 students, helping them feel excited and confident on their very first day of school.

At Nguyen An Ninh Primary School in Tam Hiep ward, right from 6:30 a.m., a large number of parents accompanied their children on the first day of school. In some cases, both the fathers and mothers brought their children to school. In other cases, the parents, entrusted their children to grandparents or relatives due to work commitments.

According to the school’s Board of Principal, admissions procedures for first graders had already been completed in June and July. Classes were divided, and homeroom teachers assigned ahead of the new school year.

Principal Hoang Thi Ngoc of Nguyen An Ninh Primary School welcomes grade 1 students at the school gate. Photo: Cong Nghia

A little girl looks shy on her first day at school. Photo: Cong Nghia

Vu Thanh Nam happily accompanies his twin daughters, born in the “golden pig” year, to enter grade 1. Photo: Cong Nghia

Dang Ngoc Hoang takes time to bring his twin sons to start their schooling journey. Photo: Cong Nghia

Principal Hoang Thi Ngoc of Nguyen An Ninh Primary School said that for the 2025–2026 academic year, the school welcomes 210 first graders, including many children whose families moved from the former Binh Phuoc province after its merger with the former Dong Nai. The school has carefully prepared all conditions to ensure the best start for the new students, ready for the official opening ceremony on September 5.

A parent adjusts her daughter’s uniform on the first day of school. Photo: Cong Nghia

On the first day of school at Nguyen An Ninh Primary School, students were greeted at the school gate by administrators and homeroom teachers, then guided into their classrooms and seated according to the class arrangement.

The homeroom teachers introduced the students to their very first lesson at school, including how to bow politely, foster solidarity, and help classmates. The children were also introduced to the school’s traditions and joined activities in the schoolyard to familiarize themselves with the new environment.

Colorful pinwheels are handed out to students by their homeroom teachers on the first day of school. Photo: Cong Nghia

A young girl joyfully holds a pinwheel gifted by her teacher on the first day. Photo: Cong Nghia

Also on the morning of August 25, many lower and upper secondary schools in Dong Nai welcomed grade 6 and grade 10 students to prepare for the new school year. In the coming days, schools across the province will continue the back-to-school process for other grades.

In the upcoming academic year, Dong Nai is expected to have more than 1 million students across over 1,300 schools, ranking among the provinces with the highest number of students and educational facilities in the country.

A homeroom teacher helps new students adapt to their learning environment. Photo: Cong Nghia

Nguyen An Ninh Primary School’s Board of Principal visit each classroom to present gifts to first graders. Photo: Cong Nghia

The 2025-2026 academic year marks the first school year after the merger of the former Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc provinces. State management in the education sector will experience significant changes compared to previous school years, with more authority in the sector delegated to commune-level People’s Committees.

A homeroom teacher introduces students to the national flag brought back from beloved Truong Sa (Spratly Islands). Photo: Cong Nghia

Parents take the opportunity to capture moments of their children standing by the national flag. Photo: Cong Nghia

By: Cong Nghia

Translated by: M.Nguyet-Thu Ha