Surprised by an open letter from a principal

Mr. Le Hong Thai, Principal of Phan Van Tri Primary School, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, has just written an open letter refusing to receive flowers on November 20. Mr. Thai wishes to ask for another gift to send to the students.

Letter of refusal to receive flowers for November 20th from the principal of Phan Van Tri Primary School.

In a letter to donors, agencies and businesses, Mr. Thai stated: "Every year, on Vietnamese Teachers' Day, November 20, the school receives many congratulatory flower baskets. However, these flowers are only used for a few days and then thrown away, which is a waste. This year, the economic situation is difficult, the school respectfully requests donors, businesses and organizations to change the form of giving instead of flowers by giving notebooks, milk and sports equipment so that the school can reward the students."

Mr. Thai also stated that this November, the school's main activities are the illustrated book storytelling contest and Phan Van Tri Challenge 2024 to help students develop comprehensively in terms of intelligence, physical strength and aesthetics. Therefore, the school hopes to receive support from donors and businesses with practical gifts and direct support for students. Any contribution, big or small, is a source of motivation for the school and students.

The reason Mr. Le Hong Thai refused to accept the flowers is because the school is located in a difficult area and does not have the conditions to reward students. The school hopes that instead of giving congratulatory flowers, these flower baskets will be converted by the partner into milk, notebooks, and specific items for the school to reward and encourage students to participate in playground activities.

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