Parents of Thang Long High School are upset and "accused" of having to pay nearly 1 million VND to organize a 45-minute performance.

Parents reported that in addition to the proposal to pay 800,000 VND for their children to organize a performance, the Parents' Committee of some classes at Thang Long High School also called on parents to pay more money so that the class would have more funds to organize a "live show".

Reflecting to the reporter of Dan Viet newspaper, some parents with children in grade 11 at Thang Long High School, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi , indignantly said: "My child's class is proposing that each person pay 800,000 VND to organize a seminar in front of the whole school next February. Just because of a student program, we have to hire a choreographer for each class, spending nearly 60 million VND. Is that right?"

Phụ huynh Trường THPT Thăng Long bức xúc — Message from the Parents' Committee to class 11D3. Photo: NVCC

According to this parent, a few days ago, the Parents' Committee of class 11D3 sent a message in the class group about paying for the children to organize a live show "Spring Offering to the Party" with a duration of 45 minutes in early February 2025.

The announcement stated: "In order for the program to be organized on a large scale with the most reasonable time arrangement for the children to ensure both studying and ensuring good results in the first semester, the class's Parents' Committee invited the choreographer and class officers to plan the program and organize for the children to gradually practice to keep up with the school's program.

Because the implementation costs are also high, the Parents' Committee proposes that each child pay an additional amount of 800,000 VND. We, the Parents' Committee, look forward to the consensus and support of parents in their children's big event. In addition to paying according to regulations, the Parents' Committee would like to call on benefactors to contribute more to support additional funds for water activities, gym rental... for their children. At the same time, this collection must be made before December 5th."

For parents in class 11D2, the Parents' Committee also sent a notice to collect money and estimate the cost for this 45-minute performance. Most parents paid 1 million VND, while some other parents paid 2-3 million VND for this performance.

"In these difficult economic times, sending children to school is a great effort and a lot of effort for many families. Parents are not only worried about their children's education, but now they have to worry about so many expenses. It is really frustrating. We know that cultural activities, sports, life skills... are good for students, but just a 45-minute program costs so much money? 50-60 million VND per class is too much," said a parent.

Parents also reported that since the beginning of the school year, the Parents' Association has collected 3 million VND from each student's parents for class funds. This is enough to cover expenses for the entire school year and should not collect any other amount other than for studying.

What does the school say?

Talking to Dan Viet newspaper reporter, Mr. Le Trung Tin, principal of Thang Long High School said: "Every month, 1-2 classes will have a live show organized by students in front of the whole school, it can be a play or a song. The purpose is for students to participate in large numbers, increase connection, be bold in collective activities and have the conditions of their abilities. How the performance is performed depends on the classes, the school does not decide.

This is a playground for the children. The school also requires classes to be organized as economically as possible, avoiding hiring choreographers and elaborate, colorful costumes. The costumes should be simple, and the school encourages wearing uniforms. Since the beginning of the year, the school has clearly stated this."

Mr. Tin added: "The school has received information about the incident and will work with the classes to prevent this situation from happening again."

Source: https://danviet.vn/phu-huynh-truong-thpt-thang-long-buc-xuc-to-phai-dong-gan-1-trieu-dong-to-chuc-van-nghe-45-phut-20241205070255156.htm