Often likened to the heart of a school, the operational team has been sustaining the pulse and vitality of The Dewey Schools, ensuring that a vast system operates smoothly. Security supervision, IT, Accounting, Facility management, Academic affairs, Human resources, School nutrition, Procurement, and more – tasks that might seem dry and mundane – this team has contributed to creating a happy and safe student environment. They work with their hands, minds, and passionate hearts. These unsung teachers do not stand on the podium, imparting invaluable lessons on passion and integrity to generations of Dewey students.
As the first to arrive at school and the last to leave late at night, the operational staff remains full of optimism and dedication. “The earliest shift starts at 6:00 AM and the latest ends at 6:00 PM, but sometimes unexpected tasks arise. Out of responsibility, we don’t hesitate to put in extra time to get the job done. When students return to school, the medical and safety teams work at full capacity every day to ensure the health and safety of the children,” shared Ms. Vu Thi Le Hang, Head of QA & School Safety.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Duong, Head of Operations Team 1, fondly recalls the busy time preparing for the opening ceremony: “There were days when we stayed until 10 PM to review the data. Everyone put aside their personal matters to work together and meet the deadline. We all shared a common goal: to ensure the absolute safety of the students as they entered the school. Despite the challenges, everyone maintained an optimistic and united spirit.”
Also familiar with the routine of “early starts and late nights,” Ms. Dam Hanh Hoa, a member of the Events Team in Operations 2, shares: “For major programs like the D-show, Tet Market, or Graduation Ceremonies, there were times we stayed at school until 3 AM to oversee setup, only to return the next day to run the event as usual. Despite the hectic pace, the work never falters. We always remind ourselves that once we accept a task, we must give it our all. With each event, we constantly ponder how to convey positive educational and humanistic values to each student, and how to ensure they have the most fulfilling experiences.”
No challenge or difficulty can shake the determination of the operational team. They always find joy and motivation in their work. For Operations Team 1, happiness is when students arrive at school and return home safely, enjoy every meal, and learn and play in a friendly, healthy environment. For the Events Team, happiness is when they see their “brainchild” enthusiastically embraced by students, or when a parent simply acknowledges their hard work with a “you’ve worked so hard.”
“One memory that stays with me is during the 5th Grade Graduation. The students asked me to sign their shirts, where they’d written messages and well-wishes for one another. The Events Team is very popular with the students. They always see us as teachers, not just school staff. That really moves me,” recalls Ms. Hoang Cam Tu, a member of the Events Team in Operations 2. The growth and maturity of Dewey students are the priceless rewards that give the operational team the confidence and strength to continue building positive values for future generations.
The strength of the operational team also lies in their teamwork. “I am always proud to have a team that consistently embodies a proactive spirit in completing tasks, knows how to coordinate seamlessly, and supports each other. I believe that with their capability and dedication, no challenge is too great and no expectation is too high for the operational team to meet,” affirms Ms. Vu Thi Le Hang.
Without the need for a special day of recognition, the operations team continues to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly. For them, it’s not just about duty and responsibility, but also about their love for children and passion for their work. They don’t need the spotlight to shine; their commitment to the profession makes them stand out. These individuals have been, and always will be, the solid foundation on which Dewey confidently builds the most comprehensive educational environment for the students.
