Orientation Day is an annual event organized by the school’s Open Executive Committee preluding the schoolyear. However, this year’s event was held online so as to meet the criteria for social distancing and prevention of the pandemic, and simultaneously providing new Amsers with a variety of novel experiences at Hanoi - Ams. The ceremony boasted a viewership in the thousands, consisting of students and parents, breaking the mold of a standard annual welcome event for sixth-graders and tenth-graders.

The school anthem "The Hanoi – Amsterdam Song" performed by the upperclassmen to welcome sixth-graders and tenth-graders

The opening of the ceremony saw a series of performances to welcome sixth-graders and tenth-graders. After that, students got to see a short introductory documentary about Hanoi – Amsterdam High School for the Gifted and hear a speech from Ms Tran Thuy Duong - the school principal. During her speech, she expressed her stirring emotions, for after over 30 years, she got to welcome the 35^th generation of students into the beloved Hanoi – Amsterdam home. She shared her undying faith with students: “Ams will be the bridge helping you acquire and utilize the abundant knowledge from humanity to fuel dreams and keep your individual ambitions forever burning, enlightening you with the virtuous purposes of life. Hanoi - Ams will also bring you experiences and a wildly diverse set of skills for each person.” She also made known her belief that the students will become well-rounded students and uniquely talented citizens of the capital city.

Ms Tran Thuy Duong – School Principal making her welcome speech to sixth-graders and tenth-graders

Following the speech, students enjoyed showcases of the school uniforms and listened to a presentation of the school logo and its meanings. Additionally, they were taught to sing “The Hanoi – Amsterdam Tradition”. Once the ceremony had ended, students went on to explore online rooms and extracurricular activities organized by the school.

The exploration into Ams started with the Geography Tour, delving into each area in the school with the Guest Speakers. Next, they had the opportunity to hear upperclassmen share their interesting anecdotes and useful tips from the Executive Committee (“Hanh – Dong”) Room, Academic Room, Extracurricular Room and Secret Room.

Firstly was the Executive Committee (“Hanh – Dong”) Room, hosting energetic and passionate people. “Hanh” represents the school union’s Executive Committee and “Dong” stands for the Open Executive Committee. Every question related to methods of organizing and managing extracurricular activities and notable events in the school would be answered here.

Known to be a high school that specializes in educating the most exceptional students with notable academic achievements, Ams is also an institution with one of the highest rates of students studying abroad in Hanoi. In addition to domestic prizes, Amsers have also obtained a myriad of international medals and certificates. Coming to the Academic Room, students would get access to invaluable wisdom, including tips on gaining high scores in competitions from the Guest Speakers.

The Academic Room – where studying advice from Amsers were given

When one mentions Ams, beside outstanding academic accomplishments from endowed students, Ams is also famous for its varied and remarkable after-school activities. And at the Extracurricular Room, upperclassmen would help students get a better understanding of the school’s activities and share their unforgettable memories from their time being a member of the clubs, projects and events at Ams. The last room – The Secret Room. Do the anecdotes from upperclassmen have any truth in them? What interesting secrets will be revealed?

Finally, the school’s Executive Board along with the Organizing Team hopes that the Amsers of year 20-23 had an noteworthy Orientation Day and will continue to create your own unforgettable stories in the incoming 3 schoolyears!

Reporter: Ams Media

Translator: Dinh Thu Ngan – English 1922