Social media is going viral with an open letter from an elementary school teacher in Vinh city, Nghe An province, sent to a group of students, in which the teacher thanks parents and asks to refuse gifts on holidays and Tet.
The letter reads: “In order to build a happy educational environment, focusing on spiritual values, always inspiring students to be creative and learn, the teacher respectfully announces the policy of not accepting gifts or envelopes from parents on holidays.
The teacher hopes that parents will share her views. She hopes that parents will always feel secure when entrusting their children to her. Gratitude through good wishes and meaningful actions will contribute to spreading joy and bonding between parents and teachers.
First of all, this teacher's attitude - policy of saying no to gifts from parents of students - should be welcomed, especially with the reason of building a happy educational environment, focusing on spiritual values.
This is an attitude - a policy that can be said to be rare in today's society. And this attitude of the teacher needs to be respected and supported by the parents of students and the whole society.
However, it is not necessary to over-praise stories, attitudes and policies like this, but to consider them as one of the normal nuances of life.
This is similar to how many schools across the country, every November 20th or Tet holiday, issue notices, strictly prohibiting and instructing students, parents and workers not to go to the homes of teachers and school leaders to give gifts.
Such behavior is unnecessary and a bit excessive, because Vietnamese Teachers' Day, November 20, is an important holiday to honor teachers and those working in the education sector.
This is also an opportunity for not only generations of students but also "current students" and parents to express their gratitude and deep appreciation to their teachers depending on their circumstances and abilities.
A gift sent to teachers on November 20 is not simply a gift of material value, but it also contains an attitude, gratitude; the tradition of respecting teachers, remembering the source of water when drinking.
The best way is to let things happen naturally and normally as they have always been. And only adjust the excessive behavior from both teachers and parents in the story of giving and receiving gifts.
Over-praising the story of the teacher with her open letter refusing to accept gifts may cause concern among the remaining teachers.
But strictly prohibiting and issuing documents to thoroughly enforce the matter of not visiting or giving gifts as many schools have been doing, will unintentionally cause concern and gossip, leading to unnecessary hurt not only for teachers but also for parents and students!
