Some journeys begin in truly extraordinary ways. Grade 5 HASians of Hanoi Adelaide School started their first year of primary school at a time when the world had come to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their first days of school were not filled with the lively sounds of opening ceremonies or the laughter of playground breaks, but with online lessons through small screens for nearly eight months.
It was not an easy beginning, yet it became the foundation that nurtured a generation of resilient, courageous, and emotionally rich students.
At the Graduation Ceremony themed “THRIVE – From Vietnam to the World,” the Primary School’s leading “young trailblazers” came together to look back on their journey of growing up with pride and deep emotion.
It is a journey of students who once met their classmates through computer screens, who felt excited on their very first days at school, and who gradually learned to adapt, become more independent, and grow stronger with each passing day.
As Ms. Tran Le Hong Van, Vice Principal of H.A.S Primary School, shared during the ceremony:
“For me, ‘growing up’ is not simply about getting older or moving on to secondary school. It is about going through challenges while still holding on to effort, kindness, and the joy of learning. That is why we are proud not only of the achievements our students have earned, but also of how they have grown during a very special period of their lives.
Behind that growth is so much love and support: parents patiently sitting beside their children during online classes; teachers relearning how to teach through screens; and the students themselves, who kept trying despite moments of fatigue, discouragement, and longing for school and friends.
And today, seeing them stand here—confident, joyful, and full of life—we realize that all those extraordinary days have truly come together to create proud and meaningful ‘fruits of growth.’”
Beyond their emotional and personal development, Grade 5 HASians have also made their mark through outstanding academic results:
• 96% of students achieved A2 level, exceeding the national curriculum (2018) expected outcomes by one level
• Nearly 60% reached B1 level (two levels above the requirement)
• 28 national and international awards
• 9 Outstanding Students and 47 Excellent Students
The students can confidently step into new schools and new academic levels anywhere, because their achievements today not only reflect their academic abilities, but also demonstrate that they have developed the most essential qualities of a lifelong learner: perseverance, self-directed learning, adaptability, and a constant drive to improve. And it is these qualities that form the true foundation for their growth and success in every journey ahead.
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony was when the students personally presented fresh flowers to their parents. Without the need for long speeches, their bright eyes, warm embraces, and slightly shy words of gratitude were enough to bring a quiet stillness to the entire hall. It was not only a gesture of appreciation for their parents—those who have always stood by them throughout their journey—but also a moment when the students learned to express love and gratitude with genuine sincerity.
But above all, what makes the teachers most proud is how the students have gone through a challenging beginning while still holding on to their curiosity, kindness, and determination to never give up.
The journey ahead will bring many changes, but these students began their learning journey in the midst of a global pandemic—and still grew with remarkable strength. And that alone is enough for their teachers to believe that they will continue to shine in their own way, on whatever path lies ahead.
Hanoi Adelaide School
Pioneering Competency-Based Education in Vietnam
