From Circular 19 to happy schools

"Every day at school is a happy day", this has become a clear result in many schools in Ha Tinh . At Thach Luu Primary School (Toan Luu commune), teachers always start their lessons with friendly greetings, warm smiles and encouraging eyes for students.

Experiential activities, combining learning with playing, playing with learning are emphasized, creating a big change in the classroom. In addition to the excitement and enthusiasm in each lesson, relaxing corners right in the school such as friendly libraries, book cafes, etc. have also become connecting spaces to help teachers, students and colleagues become closer and understand each other better.

“What makes us happy is working in a friendly environment, with care, sharing, and listening from colleagues, and that is the motivation for us to transmit positive energy to our students. We not only focus on helping students improve their knowledge but also educate them to love, care, help each other, and encourage each other in all circumstances,” shared teacher Nguyen Thi Kim Long, Thach Luu Primary School.

The teacher began the lessons with friendly greetings, warm smiles and encouraging eyes.

“The construction and implementation of the happy school model has created positive changes, not only in the awareness of staff and teachers but also strongly spread to students and parents. A happy school is a place where discipline is still strict, discipline is always implemented but joy and happiness still come from the self-awareness and positive awareness of each individual,” added teacher Le Thi Loan - Vice Principal of Thach Luu Primary School.

Book cafe space for teachers at Thach Luu Primary School.

If Circular 19 of the Ministry of Education and Training sets out a code of conduct to build a disciplined, respectful and humane educational environment, then “Happy School” is the clearest step to realize that spirit. It is the change from the smallest things that has nurtured a humane school environment, spreading a positive spirit in every classroom, every school.

After nearly 3 years of implementing the happy school model, what teachers and students at Dai Nai Secondary School (Thanh Sen Ward) clearly feel is a better and more exciting learning and teaching environment, where students are always listened to and shared.

Student Duong Bao Tram, class 8A, Dai Nai Secondary School excitedly said: “We study in a very comfortable environment, with the love of teachers and the care of friends. Many activities in the school such as: Traditional martial arts club, folk game club, happy lessons... have helped us understand each other better and have a better learning spirit.”

Students of Dai Nai Secondary School are excited about the Folk Games Club.

In the context of an increasingly developing society, the school environment has more and more impacts, meaning that students have to face many challenges, such as: Study pressure, stress from exams, the complexity of balancing between study and life... Therefore, happy education has become an inevitable trend. And the movement to build "Happy Schools" in Ha Tinh has initially achieved positive results.

From management regulations, schools have concretized them into specific actions - smiles during class, sincere thanks and apologies, or ways of listening and understanding students... have clearly shown that.

The model of "Happy School" therefore not only spreads humanistic values but also contributes to strengthening the culture of school behavior, which Circular 19 aims for. Teacher Duong Binh Dinh, Vice Principal of Dai Nai Secondary School shared: "Over the years, the school has raised the awareness of the entire team of managers, teachers, students, and parents in creating a healthy, humane, and developing learning and educational environment. Based on the three core criteria chosen by the Ministry of Education and Training (safety, love, and respect), the school builds goals suitable for teachers, students, and practical conditions, including the goal of "making individuals and groups love the school, love the class, and progress together on the basis of good values".

Open learning space helps students unleash their passion for creativity at Duc Tho Town Primary School.

Building a fair, respectful and safe learning environment are the core values of a happy school, which is also the goal that Circular 19 aims for. Disciplinary measures are not emphasized on students, but that does not mean lax management. With a modern, student-centered educational model, teachers will change their role from "judge" to "companion". This is also an opportunity for teachers to truly become creators of happiness.

"To build a school that is truly a second home for students, teachers are not simply teachers, knowledge transmitters, but must accompany and share with students, understand their family circumstances, and know their strengths and weaknesses. The school must be an environment that helps students develop and progress, without causing pressure, and always listen to help them mature" - teacher Tran Van Ninh, Principal of Cam Xuyen Town Secondary School (Cam Xuyen) expressed.

School space - where children are loved and listened to.

Building a “Happy School” is not only a movement but has become a sustainable orientation in every educational institution in Ha Tinh. When teachers are happy, students are happy, the school will be a place to nurture dreams and spread good values. That is also the way that the Ha Tinh Education and Training sector realizes the spirit of Circular 19 - turning rules of conduct into culture, and making every day at school truly a happy day.