September has returned, bringing with it the joy of a new school year and the excitement that comes with a fresh beginning. In this vibrant atmosphere, teachers, students, and the Sakura – Olympia community gathered for the 2026–2027 Opening Ceremony to officially welcome the new journey ahead. From the first steps of students entering a new level of education, to colorful performances and Olympia’s official recognition as a Cambridge International Lower Secondary School, every moment contributed to a memorable opening day. 

FIRST STEPS ON A NEW JOURNEY 

Every school year brings new faces, important transitions, and different journeys of growth. That is why one of the most anticipated moments of the opening ceremony is welcoming students as they take their first steps into a new school environment. 

This year, the Sakura – Olympia community gave a warm round of applause to welcome the newest members of Ume at Sakura Kindergarten, as well as Grade 1 and Grade 6 students at Olympia. 

Welcome, Ume students, to Sakura Kindergarten. 

Welcome, Grade 1 students, to Olympia Primary, Middle and High School. 

Welcome, Grade 6 students, as you begin a new journey. 

Each age group is stepping into a different stage of their educational journey: Ume students are beginning to become familiar with a new learning environment; Grade 1 students are embarking on their Primary School journey; while Grade 6 students are entering a new chapter of their Lower Secondary years. There may still be a little uncertainty during these first days, but ahead of them are countless things to discover, new friends to share the journey with, and experiences that will gradually become cherished memories of their school years. 

For this reason, welcoming new students is more than simply a ceremony to mark the beginning of the school year. It is also the Sakura – Olympia community’s way of telling them: a new journey has begun, and you will not walk it alone. 

THE COLORS OF OPENING DAY 

Following these first steps came the sounds and colors that gave Opening Day its distinctive atmosphere. The performances brought a range of emotions, from melodies that evoke memories of school days to youthful, energetic performances by Sakura – Olympia students. 

“School Days” performed by Himawari 1. 

“Loving Sunny School Days Even More” performed by Himawari 2. 

“Go Forward, Vietnam” performed by Earth 1 and Earth 2 students. 

The “Opening School Year” choir performance featuring Grade 6 and Grade 7 students, with accompanying dance performances by Mercury 1 and Mercury 2 students. 

The students’ confidence, teamwork, and joy in performing together brought a vibrant opening to the new school year. From familiar melodies to energetic performances, the arts became a way for SOers to welcome the new school year together – through their own energy and creativity. 

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS WITH A SPECIAL MILESTONE 

The 2026–2027 school year begins with a significant step forward in the development journey of Sakura – Olympia. Ahead of the new school year, on August 19, 2026, the Sakura – Olympia School System proudly celebrated an important milestone: Olympia Primary, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary School – Cambridge International School (VN291) – was officially recognized as a Cambridge Lower Secondary School, offering the Cambridge Lower Secondary program and Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint. Together with Cambridge Primary, this marks an important step toward building a continuous Cambridge educational pathway from Primary to Lower Secondary School. 

In a new school year, every student may have a different goal. But for them to move forward with confidence, the journey ahead needs to begin with a strong and appropriate learning foundation, meaningful experiences, and opportunities for each student to grow in their own way. 

JOINING THE NATION IN CELEBRATING THE START OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR 

One of the most solemn moments of the ceremony was when the Sakura – Olympia community joined the 2026–2027 National Opening Ceremony, broadcast live on VTV1 as part of the nationwide celebration. 

From the Sakura – Olympia school grounds, teachers, parents, and students turned their attention to the central screen, taking part in the flag-raising ceremony and singing the National Anthem alongside the central venue. In a bilingual learning environment that embraces an international outlook, these familiar school-opening traditions remained a meaningful moment for the entire community to pause, come together around a shared symbol, and welcome the beginning of a new school year. 

The Sakura – Olympia community joins the nation in celebrating the start of a new school year. 

THE OPENING DRUMBEATS SIGNAL A NEW JOURNEY 

As the drum-opening ceremony began, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Minh Tuyết – Principal of Olympia Primary, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary School – sounded the opening drumbeats for the 2026–2027 school year. 

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Minh Tuyết – Principal of Olympia Primary, Middle and High School – sounds the opening drumbeats for the 2026–2027 school year. 

The opening drum has long been a special sound that marks the beginning of each school year. It signals the start of a new journey – one where new books will be opened, new questions will be raised, and new experiences await. 

At Sakura – Olympia, these drumbeats also carry hopes for a school year filled with initiative, creativity, and meaningful milestones. SOers captured and turned these hopes into personal intentions through a welcome activity in their classrooms. Together, they read encouraging letters from their parents, wrote their responses, and set goals for their own journeys ahead. 

A new school year begins, and each SOer starts writing their own new chapter. 

We wish all SOers an exciting start to the 2026–2027 school year, embracing new possibilities, approaching challenges with initiative, and finding joy in every learning experience. May teachers, students, and the entire Sakura – Olympia community create a school year filled with inspiration, creativity, and meaningful milestones.