Let's make the first day of school a happy one!

(Baonghean)The opening ceremony of the new school year took place amidst excitement and anticipation. This year's ceremony received even more attention due to the directives of Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam regarding the organization of the opening ceremony at the Ministry of Education and Training's conference summarizing the 2014-2015 school year and implementing the 2015-2016 school year plan. At this conference, the Deputy Prime Minister offered heartfelt and frank opinions, stating that the current organization of the opening ceremony still has many shortcomings and inadequacies that need adjustment, such as: inconsistent timing and dates; in some places, the ceremony is postponed because of the presence of senior leaders; sometimes, even when the time arrives, teachers and students have to wait, rain or shine; and in some opening ceremonies, both teachers and students have to sit and listen to lengthy speeches...

The Deputy Prime Minister's comments immediately received widespread support and agreement from the public, especially from teachers, students, and parents. The aforementioned shortcomings and inadequacies inadvertently reveal that in many places, the opening ceremony of the new school year is held solely to accommodate... high-ranking leaders. Admittedly, the presence of leaders at all levels is necessary and important, adding solemnity to the ceremony, as it demonstrates the Party and State's concern for the top national priority – education. The timely presence of high-ranking leaders also serves to encourage and motivate teachers and students to enter the new school year with renewed enthusiasm. However, overemphasizing the role of high-ranking leaders at the opening ceremony, or becoming overly dependent on them to the point of having to postpone the ceremony to ensure their attendance, is a mechanical and forced approach that undermines the purpose and meaning of the opening day. The opening ceremony is a ritual to welcome the new school year, to celebrate the return of teachers and students to school, and to begin a new academic year with renewed enthusiasm.

The opening day of the school year in Vietnam, held annually on September 5th, holds immense significance because it is the day President Ho Chi Minh sent a letter to students shortly after the country gained independence (President Ho Chi Minh sent a letter to students on September 5, 1945). Therefore, this back-to-school celebration also serves to educate students about the historical traditions and profound teachings of President Ho Chi Minh.

Furthermore, as the country undergoes continuous innovation and deep integration, the importance of learning must be placed alongside the genuine emphasis on the role of both teachers and students. The opening day of the school year is a celebration for both teachers and students; therefore, it should be a day where teachers and students are honored and celebrated. The opening ceremony should create joy and enthusiasm so that teachers and students can enter the new school year with high spirits and inspiration, aiming for many new achievements.

I was fortunate to witness meaningful opening ceremonies. These ceremonies were associated with activities honoring teachers who had achieved many accomplishments in teaching, students who had achieved high grades, and students who had overcome difficulties to excel in their studies during the past school year. The Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted was a prime example of a school that organized this activity well. This served as a great encouragement for both teachers and students, and also motivated new students entering a new level of education and a new school to be proud of their achievements and continue to strive for excellence in their studies and personal development.

More specifically, in remote, disadvantaged, and particularly difficult areas, opening ceremonies are held concurrently with meaningful "support for schooling" activities. During the ceremony, gifts from generous individuals and organizations are handed directly to teachers and students. These gifts may include items of significant material value such as funding to build permanent housing for teachers and students, teaching desks and chairs, computers, etc. Or they may include school supplies like backpacks, notebooks, and textbooks. They could also include warm clothing and blankets. Furthermore, they could be part of school health check-ups and treatment programs.

Organizing opening ceremonies with these activities transforms the event into a beautiful and unforgettable cultural experience, not only motivating the start of a new school year but also creating lasting memories that stay with each person throughout their lives. Most importantly, these organized opening ceremonies bring joy and excitement to everyone, especially the teachers and students.

Duc Duong