The peals of the drums sounded once again, signaling a new school year at Hanoi – Amsterdam High school for the Gifted. What were the teachers, deputies and we Amsers hoping for? Let’s find out the beliefs and the confidence that each of us had on the first day of school.

At the Opening Ceremony, Amsers were eager with the presence of Ms. Le Thi Oanh – New school principal, Mr. Do Lenh Dien – the former principal and the teachers and students of Hanoi – Amsterdam High School, and especially the presence of Professor Terry White – First Secretary, Chief Information Officer of U.S Embassy in Vietnam.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the students of the school delivered entertaining performances. The school’s 700-seat hall was filled with songs such as: “Communist Party has given us a spring”, “White shirt to school” and “Victory Song”, along with folks and modern dances.

After the flag saluting protocol, the Country President sent a message to all students throughout the territory of Vietnam. His message outlined many innovations in learning and teaching, and encouraged us to create the initiative and to strive for the better in the school year 2013-2014.

Mr. Ho Quoc Viet - the Vice Principal - speaking at the Opening Ceremony of 2013-2014 school year 

Mr. Bui Van Phuc - the Vice Principal - speaking at the Opening Ceremony

In her speech, Ms. Oanh – the School Principal – pointed out the remarkable achievements that both teachers and students of the school had done in the past school year. She gave positive compliments to the students, and guided us students the methods for effective study and holistic development in order to deserve the honor of being Hanoi – Ams’s students.

Ms. Le Thi Oanh giving her speech

After that were the sharings of Nguyen Phuong Linh – valedictorian of English class (class of 2016) and the former Amser – Phan Phuong Dat (class of 1988) who had achieved two medals of International Mathematical Olympiad. Their speeches inspired more than 2000 students preparing to start a new school year - school year full of hope and dreams.

One honorary guest of the Opening Ceremony was Professor Terry White - First Secretary, Chief Information Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam. His speech was embedded into teachers’ and students’ mind. His starting point was a music teacher, but because of the passion for learning and hard work, the Professor showed the students a whole new perspective on learning and future success. He believed that future generations of Hanoi – Amsterdam’s students would be the ones who could change the world.

Professor Terry White - the First Ssecretary, Chief Information Officer - speaking at the Ceremony

This Opening Ceremony is the beginning of a new school year. A signaling drumroll triggers a whole lot of joy and excitement of a student. For each Amser, this beginning brings different emotions: a feeling of nervousness towards a new book, a familiar scene of a 9th grader looking at the red flag with the yellow star singing the national anthem, or the sadness of the seniors when listening to the final drumroll.

No matter what grade we are in, we Amsers are all very proud. We will start a new school year with joy, hope, and great enthusiasm. 

Author: Nhữ Hương Trà (V 12 - 15)

Photos: Huy Kiên (S 11 - 14)

Translator: Trần Diệu Linh (A1 13 - 16)