Over 1,600 schools in Nghe An province begin the new school year.
(Baonghean) - Today, more than 860,000 teachers and students in Nghe An province will begin the new school year 2019-2020. Due to heavy rain, 135 schools had to postpone their opening day, with many schools holding their opening ceremonies in multi-functional halls.
This school year presents both opportunities and challenges in striving to achieve the goals and targets set by the Party Congress at all levels, and in preparing the essential conditions to embrace the reform, textbook changes, and implementation of the comprehensive general education program.
Excited to go to school!
This new school year is particularly special for Thach Ngan 2 Primary School (Con Cuong district) as it has just been recognized as a National Standard School. Although this is the last primary school in Con Cuong district to receive this title, the achievement reflects the extraordinary efforts of the school, which is located in a remote, disadvantaged area and where nearly 100% of the students are children of ethnic minorities, mostly from impoverished households.
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| Teachers and students of Thach Ngan 2 Primary School (Con Cuong) practice in preparation for the opening ceremony of the new school year. |
To ensure that Dan Lai students do not feel disoriented in the new environment, Thach Ngan 2 Primary School also decided to transfer all students from the Ba Ha branch school to study together at the Thach Son branch school. The teachers were selected from experienced, reputable individuals who have been working with ethnic minority students for many years.
Before the start of the new school year, teaching and learning for students in Dan Lai have gradually stabilized, even though they have to share classrooms.
"When we were transferred to the new school location, we were very worried. But now everyone is relieved because we see that the students are very well-behaved, enjoy coming to school, and are excited about the new environment."
Before the opening ceremony, despite the school's difficult circumstances, the school administration boldly decided to invest nearly 100 million VND to purchase teaching equipment and desks for students in the resettlement area. In addition, the school's teachers also donated books, notebooks, pens, paper, and other school supplies to students before the start of the new school year.
“Our school is located in a disadvantaged area, so for many years we haven't collected any social contributions from parents. Instead, we receive support from parents in terms of morale and labor to help renovate and repair the school. The support and care of parents for their children is the greatest motivation for the school staff to strive, overcome difficulties, and do a good job in teaching and learning.”
The opening ceremony of the 2019-2020 school year took place under unfavorable weather conditions with continuous heavy rain in many localities. However, the preparations for the school festival were still given special attention by local authorities and schools, aiming to create a joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere for the students.
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| Many schools in Vinh City have postponed their opening day due to rain. Photo: My Ha |
At Hung Dung 2 Primary School, this year's opening ceremony will also focus heavily on the "festive" aspect with many activities such as: group dance and singing performances in the schoolyard, folk dances and songs, and coordinating with the mobile library of Nghe An to organize a reading festival. Due to the rain, many schools have also prepared alternative plans for the opening ceremony; for example, in Cua Lo town, it will be held indoors in the multi-functional hall.
If it rains, the opening ceremony will be conducted in a simplified manner, class by class. Instead of group activities, the teacher will lead the students into their classrooms to talk to them about the new school year, giving advice and encouragement.
Teaching literacy goes hand in hand with teaching character.
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| Teachers and students of Xa Luong Kindergarten (Tuong Duong) prepare for the opening ceremony of the new school year 2019-2020. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
For the 2019-2020 school year, the Nghe An Education Department identified three important goals, notably "committing to the quality of each level, grade, and educational institution in accordance with the orientation of developing the qualities and competencies of learners."
This is also a challenging task, considering the overall picture, as the province's education sector still faces many difficulties and challenges. For example, even though the new school year has begun, thousands of students across the province are still studying in makeshift classrooms with inadequate facilities and a shortage of teaching and learning equipment.
According to statistics to date, the province is currently short of nearly 3,000 preschool teachers and more than 1,900 primary school teachers.
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| Although the official start date hasn't arrived yet, students at Thach Ngan Ethnic Boarding Junior High School (Con Cuong) have already settled into their studies. Photo: My Ha |
Faced with these challenges, during the 2019-2020 school year, the provincial education sector also implemented many important solutions to improve the quality of the teaching staff; innovate the forms and methods of organization, teaching, and assessment; and develop modern, integrated teaching programs and content, aiming towards the goal of global citizenship.
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| Many meaningful gifts from agencies, departments, and charitable organizations were presented to the school and students at the opening ceremony of the 2019-2020 school year in Huu Khuong. Photo: Thanh Quynh |
In particular, this is also the academic year in which the sector is determined to make changes in implementing two key areas: enhanced foreign language teaching according to international standards and teaching linked to practical applications. Initially, pilot programs will be implemented in schools in Vinh City, schools in central and convenient areas, and 14 key schools.
Alongside teaching literacy, the education sector also clearly defines the importance of "teaching character" through the training and education of ethics and personality for students, and organizing many activities related to life skills.
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| Many activities were organized in preparation for the new school year. (Photo courtesy of Dinh Tuan) |
This aims to contribute to a fundamental transformation in the awareness and actions regarding ethics and pedagogical conduct of cadres, teachers, and workers, moving towards standards and avoiding violations of industry regulations, policies, and laws of the State.
“The 2019-2020 school year is a crucial one, marking the culmination of five years of implementing the goals and targets set by the Party Congress at all levels. We believe that the Nghe An Education sector will enter the new school year with great determination to strive for high achievements in teaching and learning, worthy of the expectations of the government and the vast majority of parents.”
