September at Dewey Ocean Park has become more meaningful than ever as the school focuses on “Preventing school violence”. To ensure that every school day is happy, teachers and staff tirelessly contribute to safeguarding and supporting each student. This effort goes beyond ensuring physical safety; it also involves nurturing the soul and providing opportunities for TDSers to learn, grow, and develop holistically.
Ms. Pham Thi Thao, school psychologist
Ms. Pham Thi Thao, an experienced school psychologist, shares that each student who comes to her carries their own unique challenges. Some struggle with communication, others face difficulties in managing their emotions, or grapple with feelings of low self-confidence. After many years of working in school psychology, Ms. Thao reflects: “Education is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about creating an environment where students feel safe, heard, and respected – a place where they can develop in a healthy manner both physically and mentally.”
To Ms. Thao, school psychology plays a key role in preventing school violence. “Through school counseling, students are helped to develop critical thinking skills, to distinguish between right and wrong, and to understand the impact of their actions on others. When students know how to set personal boundaries and protect themselves, the risk of violence is significantly reduced.” Ms. Thao also believes that the challenges students face are not unusual, but rather opportunities for growth, which is why they need close support from both the school and their families.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Loc, Head of QA and School Safety
Beyond focusing on psychological aspects, The Dewey Schools Ocean Park is also continually working to improve its facilities and establish rigorous monitoring processes to ensure the utmost safety for students. Mr. Nguyen Duc Loc, Head of QA and School Safety, with over 10 years of experience, shared: “School violence is not just a disciplinary issue but also relates to regular observation, constant supervision, and the interaction between teachers, staff, and students. We strive to detect early signs for timely intervention, ensuring that students always feel safe at school.”
From a father’s perspective, Mr. Duc Loc added: “In addition to the quality of education, a safe environment is the deciding factor for a student’s future. A safe learning environment allows students to grow appropriately for their age, and positive discipline is not about enforcement or punishment, but an opportunity for students to express their thoughts, helping teachers understand them better and provide better support.”
Mr. Nguyen Viet Dai Phuc – in charge of Middle and High School Discipline
At The Dewey Schools, Positive Discipline is one of the most effective approaches to addressing school violence. Mr. Nguyen Viet Dai Phuc, in charge of Middle and High School Discipline, shared: “Positive Discipline is not a punishment but an opportunity for students to recognize their mistakes and make improvements. This method encourages students to express their views, helps them understand the root of the problem, and allows them to self-correct.” With this approach, students not only learn how to resolve conflicts but also develop skills to build healthy relationships and respect others’ boundaries.
Mr. Dai Phuc also emphasized that positive discipline encourages students to be more open in sharing their personal difficulties. This helps them feel respected, not isolated, and, more importantly, reduces the risk of becoming either victims or perpetrators of school violence.
A school is not only a place for students to acquire knowledge but also where they are nurtured emotionally and spiritually, and equipped with essential life skills to face challenges in life. Preventing school violence is not just a fight against negative behaviors but a journey toward building a holistic educational environment, where every student has the opportunity to grow and shine in their own way.
