November, The Month of Gratitude

In the cool weather of November, PennSchool students participated in various meaningful activities, creating opportunities to recognize their potential and values. This enabled them to step out of their comfort zones, challenge themselves, and express gratitude to those who inspire their daily growth.

Health always plays a crucial role for every student. To ensure physical and mental well-being and foster effective learning experiences, PennSchool focuses on building a safe and healthy learning environment. With the theme “One Health Day”, the Spirit Day in November provided opportunities for students to learn about the benefits of exercising and the daily physical activities they can incorporate into their routines to enhance their health. The games and dance performances introduced at the event helped students relax and learn valuable skills while having fun with friends.

November was also a great time for PennSchool students to express their gratitude to our beloved teachers through Vietnamese Teachers’ Day on November 20. Wall displays, personally designed by students, along with messages of love, became essential gifts to convey their appreciation to teachers on this occasion.

The most anticipated event in November, held at Dam Sen Cultural Park, brought together talented students to compete in various fields such as art, sports, music, and cooking at the “Giving Thanks” Day: Coloring Our Strengths event. As part of the House System events, this occasion offered valuable activities, allowing students to gain practical experience and showcase their artistic talents. 

Following the intense competitions, #HomeOfTheEagles engaged in collaborative activities and honed various interesting skills through workshops, including bracelet-making, sculpture painting, keychain crafting, and enjoying a street animal circus.

TEDxYouth@PennSchool 2024 officially returned with the Kick-off Meeting, featuring valuable information. With the participation of over 100 #HomeOfTheEagles and guest “speakers” who made it to the Finals in the previous academic year, the event introduced competition regulations, important notes, and effective ways to prepare presentations. The event somewhat boosted the confidence of the participants, preparing them to showcase their presentation skills in the upcoming rounds.

The Home Recycling Competition initiated by Cuckoo Clean-ups members also received enthusiastic support from the PennSchool community through the collection of milk cartons. The contribution campaign, held from October 30 to November 10, 2023, helped the project collect over 18.54 kg of milk cartons. Besides the PennSchool community, the competition also attracted the participation of students from various schools in Ho Chi Minh City, such as EIS, CIS, BIS, and RISS, through the organization Green Network Saigon (GNS). The collected milk cartons will be transported to Tetra Pak – the manufacturer, supplier, and purchaser of milk cartons – to undergo the recycling process.

In this meaningful month, PennSchool hopes that students have had memorable experiences and the opportunity to express gratitude to those who have always guided and loved them.