The letter was posted on Quynh Tam Primary School's Facebook page on 3/10. Nguyen Van Su, the deputy principal with nearly 10 years at the school, stated that four weeks into the new academic year, many classes still lack students from Tien Son village. The empty seats worry teachers, as prolonged absence makes it harder for students to catch up with the curriculum.

The issue began at the start of the 2026-2027 academic year when many parents in Tien Son village kept their children home to protest the dissolution of the satellite campus. To date, only 29 of the 166 students from this campus have returned to class. During a dialogue with provincial leaders on the afternoon of 1/10, most parents still expressed a desire to maintain the satellite campus because the main campus is 6-7 km from their homes.

In the letter, Su recalled the dialogue, noting that residents' concerns had been heard and that authorities committed to specific support, including arranging shuttle buses, subsidizing transportation costs, and semi-boarding meal expenses.

According to Su, relocating students from the Tien Son satellite campus to the main campus and its branch aims to ensure better learning conditions. Under the 2018 general education program, students attend two sessions daily, accessing subjects like informatics, foreign languages, music, art, library activities, and life skills education. In contrast, facilities at the satellite campus are inadequate.

Students studying at Quynh Tam Primary School branch, 1/10. Photo: Duc Hung

Students studying at Quynh Tam Primary School branch, 1/10. Photo: Duc Hung

The school plans to organize semi-boarding, ensuring nutrition, food hygiene, and afternoon naps for students. Teachers will accompany the buses to care for and take attendance for each student. Police and functional forces will coordinate traffic flow and inspect vehicle safety on the route to school.

For students with prolonged absences, the school developed a plan for makeup classes on weekends, assigning teachers for tutoring to help them supplement knowledge and catch up with the curriculum.

Su also hopes parents will be discerning about inaccurate information from external sources, to prevent prolonged absences from school from affecting the children's rights and future.

"Outsiders do not raise your children, do not stay up late or wake up early worrying about their future, and certainly cannot take responsibility for or restore the knowledge and development opportunities your children lose due to prolonged absence from school," the letter stated.

The 5th school week begins tomorrow (5/10). According to Su, this is when the school can organize makeup classes without overburdening students as they catch up on the curriculum. Therefore, the school hopes parents will bring their children back to class soon.

"The school, local authorities, and society are extending their arms, ready to open classroom doors to welcome the children of Tien Son back to school with the utmost love and care," Su wrote at the end of the letter.

Duc Hung