On February 25, 2026, in the fresh atmosphere of the early days of the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse), all students from Grades 1–9 of Olympia Primary & Lower Secondary School participated in the field trip themed Olympia’s Spring Buds at Bana Rita Farm (Hoa Ninh, Da Nang). The program was designed in alignment with experiential and career-oriented activities under the 2018 General Education Curriculum, aiming to promote learning through real-life practice. With the message that each student is a “spring bud” growing day by day, Olympia seeks to create an environment where students can observe, practice, create, and transform experiences into knowledge and life skills. 

During the first week of the Year of the Horse 2026, Olympia Primary and Lower Secondary students eagerly took part in the early spring field trip combined with the Golden Painter 2026 Drawing Competition. 

GOLDEN PAINTER DRAWING COMPETITION: WHEN COLORS TELL THE STORY OF SPRING 

The trip began with the “Golden Painter 2026” drawing competition. As an annual art competition of Olympia Primary, Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary Schools (under the Sakura – Olympia School System), Golden Painter is organized to create a creative space where students not only showcase their artistic talent but also develop artistic thinking, teamwork, and the ability to express emotions through each brushstroke. According to Ms. Stephanie, the competition’s academic coordinator, beyond enhancing color coordination, creativity, and aesthetic skills—the core elements of Visual Arts—Golden Painter also fosters teamwork, perseverance, and the ability to work under time pressure. 

With the theme “Olympia’s Spring Buds,” this year’s competition revolved around Spring, Tet, and nature. In an open-air natural setting, students participated in both individual and group drawing sessions, expressing their unique perspectives on spring through brushstrokes, color palettes, and creative ideas. Paintings depicting green fields, cool streams, spring markets, and peaceful countryside homes reflected students’ love for nature and their connection to the local identity of Da Nang. 

Students experiencing painting amid the spring landscape. 

The colors of spring are captured in each student’s artwork. 

The on-site exhibition and award ceremony encouraged confidence and empowered students to express their creative individuality, while reinforcing the message that art is an essential part of holistic development. 

Congratulations to the outstanding individuals and teams who earned the “Golden Painter” title in 2026. 

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM: LEARNING THROUGH REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCES 

The afternoon experiential activities offered students a meaningful outdoor classroom. Students rotated through four experiential stations, each with its own distinctive focus yet united by practical educational values. 

At the Farm Station, students collected eggs, cared for vegetable gardens, and learned about agricultural production processes. Through each hands-on task, they gained a deeper appreciation for the value of labor and developed respect for the outcomes created by human effort. 

At the Creative Station, students prepared herbal drinks and decorated cakes. These activities required careful observation, coordinated teamwork, and collaboration. It was also an opportunity for students to apply creativity in real-life situations. 

The Craft Village Station introduced students to making traditional rice paper—a cultural specialty of the local community. By participating in each step of the process, students not only understood production methods but also experienced the cultural significance of traditional crafts in community life. 

At the Nature Immersion Station, students grilled food by the stream, caught fish, and observed the natural environment. These activities encouraged them to live in harmony with nature, strengthen environmental awareness, and develop observation and problem-solving skills. 

Each experiential station was carefully supervised by teachers to ensure students’ safety. More importantly, these activities were not designed merely for enjoyment but to cultivate diligence, responsibility, compassion, and love for their homeland. 

TEAMBUILDING: FOSTERING COLLABORATION AND TEAM SPIRIT 

The teambuilding session created an energetic atmosphere with grade-appropriate games such as capture the flag, tug of war, sack races, water relay, balance walking, and birdhouse building. Through physical and strategic challenges, students strengthened their fitness, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. 

Lively teambuilding activities strengthened the collective spirit of Olympia. 

Team spirit, sharing, and responsibility toward the group were clearly demonstrated throughout the activities. Students learned to listen, support one another, and work toward common goals—essential 21st-century skills that Olympia consistently prioritizes in its educational approach. 

SPRING BUDS GROW THROUGH EXPERIENCE 

“Olympia’s Spring Buds 2026” was more than an early spring field trip; it was a day of learning beyond the classroom, where knowledge connected with real life and values were shaped through action. The program contributed to the holistic development of students’ competencies—from self-management, collaboration, and creativity to aesthetic and scientific thinking. 

From these early spring experiences, each “Olympia spring bud” continues to grow with confidence, initiative, and a strong desire to explore the world around them. 

As we move into 2026, Olympia affirms that learning does not take place only inside classrooms, but in every space of life. When given meaningful opportunities to experience, each student discovers the joy of learning, a sense of purpose, and sustainable motivation for the journey ahead.