“There is a profession where chalk dust covers the hands
We still call it the noblest of all
There is a profession that does not plant trees in the soil
But gives life fragrant blossoms”
(My Beloved Teaching Profession – Đinh Văn Nhã)
November—the month of festivals and the most beautiful landscapes in Gia Lai—is also the time to honor the “noblest profession” as mentioned in Đinh Văn Nhã’s poem. It is an occasion for students to express their gratitude to teachers in various ways.
At the Pleiku Ward Children's House on November 16, nearly 40 elementary students participated in the “Loving Cards—A Gift for Teachers” workshop to celebrate Vietnamese Teachers’ Day. During the event, the children crafted greeting cards by hand to present to their beloved teachers.
As she attached tiny flowers to her card, Võ Đặng Thiên Ngân (Võ Thị Sáu Primary School, Pleiku Ward) excitedly shared: “This is a gift for my art teacher. She was the first to teach me how to draw and has been teaching me for five years. I hope she will continue to teach me so I can create beautiful and meaningful paintings.”
When these handmade cards are carefully delivered to teachers, what remains is not perfection, but sincere affection—adding to the beautiful memories of student life.
Nguyễn Đình Bảo, Deputy Director of the Pleiku Ward Children's House, said: “In addition to the card-making workshop, we also organized the ‘What I Want to Say’ activity, allowing students to send wishes and messages to their teachers. A chess tournament for club members was also held to commemorate Vietnamese Teachers’ Day.” According to Mr. Bảo, these activities aim to remind students of the significance of November 20 and help instill gratitude in them.
The most vibrant celebrations, however, are found in schools. At Chi Lăng High School (Hội Phú Ward), the school considers this an annual highlight and organizes two main events: a sports festival and a cultural performance for both students and teachers. With significant investment in scale and quality, these events not only help students improve their health and skills but also provide opportunities for teachers and students to understand and bond with each other.
With the theme “Gratitude,” the cultural performance at Chi Lăng High School—Gia Lai reflects the school’s commitment to teaching students to appreciate positive values. The performances not only express gratitude to teachers but also highlight appreciation for parents, ancestors who sacrificed for national independence, and anyone who has contributed good things to life.
Đỗ Viết Huy, Vice Principal, Chi Lăng High School—Gia Lai
Cultural performances are a long-standing tradition at many schools during the November 20 celebrations. The acts are diverse in content, praising teachers, the homeland, and youthful aspirations. The forms of expression range from dance, modern and traditional music, to skits and instrumental performances.
Nguyễn Phúc Bắc (Class 11B1, Phan Bội Châu High School) shared: “Our class chose the song ‘Walking Under the Radiant Sky’ for the cultural festival. We want to inspire younger students to live life to the fullest. At the same time, we want to tell our teachers that, although Phan Bội Châu High School may not be the most perfect school, the time we spend here will always be our most cherished memory.”
Honoring the “noblest profession” through simple acts is the approach taken by Hùng Vương Secondary School (Ia Grai commune), which organized a wall newspaper design contest. Sheets of rough rōki paper were transformed by students into vibrant, artistic pages through drawing, writing, and decoration.
The wall newspaper activity combines various skills such as writing, painting, design, and editing, providing students with opportunities to showcase their talents and creativity. It also helps them develop teamwork, responsibility, and strengthen group cohesion. This was shared by Principal Trần Văn Đức, who explained why the school chose the wall newspaper contest to celebrate Vietnamese Teachers’ Day.
“The wall newspaper is a way for students to express their feelings and gratitude to teachers in a creative manner. The activity also enhances collaboration among homeroom teachers, students, and parents in organizing group events,” Mr. Đức added.
These seemingly familiar extracurricular activities create a unique, warm, and pure atmosphere for November. From the clumsy cards of young students to the elaborate dances of high schoolers, all share a common thread: heartfelt respect for those who quietly sow the seeds of knowledge.
