To make the first day of school truly happy…

The first day of school marks the beginning of a new chapter in a child's educational journey, and the main focus of this day should be the students.

Học sinh trường Phổ thông dân tộc bán trú Tiểu học và Trung học cơ sở Hồ Bốn (huyện Mù Cang Chải) trong lễ khai giảng năm học mới. (Nguồn: TTXVN)

Students of Ho Bon Ethnic Boarding Primary and Secondary School (Mu Cang Chai district) at the opening ceremony of the new school year. (Source: VNA)

Recalling the first day of school for my generation, it was the first time returning to school after a three-month summer break. Three months away from school, friends, and teachers, the opening ceremony was the first time we'd all reunited to begin a new school year, filling everyone with excitement and anticipation. Each child carefully wrapped and labeled their books and notebooks, and their parents prepared beautiful outfits for the first day of school.

Back then, the opening ceremony was short and simple, yet still solemn. All the students sang the national anthem and applauded enthusiastically at the end. There was only a short speech, like a heartfelt message or piece of advice from the principal, and the sound of the school bell signaling the start of the new school year. Afterwards, the students went to their classrooms to meet their teachers and begin their studies for the new school year.

For me, the opening ceremony was truly a celebration for students, where everyone felt welcomed back to a new school year filled with meaningful moments with friends and teachers.

Opening ceremonies are now more grand and spectacular, resplendent with colorful flags and flowers. Speeches at these ceremonies are more like reports, presented to parents and attending leaders, and focused on the school's image, rather than activities for the students – the main focus. The opening ceremony is no longer simply the first day welcoming students back to school, as its original purpose dictates, but rather a communication event, building and affirming the school's brand, and attracting community attention.

The question is, are we truly focusing on the learner holistically? Are we paying attention to the rights and needs of children, placing their need for connection, respect, and self-expression at the center of the event?

The first day of school marks the beginning of a new chapter in a child's educational journey, and the students are the main focus. The important thing is to make the first day of school truly resonate with each child. In my opinion, to create a truly happy first day of school, the principal must dare to accept differences and dare to change ingrained beliefs about the occasion. Each teacher needs to be creative in expressing and spreading love to their students.

Instead of lengthy, formulaic speeches, there will be inspiring stories from famous guests. Following the short, exciting ceremony, there will be a fun activity session where the students can participate in enjoyable activities in the schoolyard.

International experience shows that events organized as open communication spaces, with a stage that is close and not distant from the audience, create a sense of connection and friendliness.

It can be said that the goal of a school, from its inception, is to meet the learning needs, character development, and happiness of its students, rather than being built solely to meet enrollment or financial requirements. The essential goal is to make students feel truly at the center of the event and to feel loved and valued as they begin a new school year.

* Head of the Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Education, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

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