Vietnam: Who is the principal of a primary school? What is the term of office of the principal of a primary school?

Who is the principal of a primary school in Vietnam?

Under Article 11 of the Charter of Primary Schools issued with Circular 28/2020/TT-BGDDT:

The principal of a primary school is the person responsible for the management, administration of operations, and the quality of education in the school.

Who is the principal of a primary school in Vietnam? What is the term of office of the principal of a primary school?

What is the term of office of the principal of a primary school in Vietnam?

According to Point c Clause 1 Article 11 of the Charter of Primary Schools issued with Circular 28/2020/TT-BGDDT:

The term of office of the principal of a primary school in Vietnam is 05 years. After each academic year, the principal is assessed by public employees and employees in the school and competent authorities in accordance with regulations.

A principal may not serve at a public primary school for more than two consecutive terms of office.

Is the principal of a primary school in Vietnam a member of the school council at a public primary school?

The school council of a public primary school is stipulated in Article 10 of the Charter of Primary Schools issued with Circular 28/2020/TT-BGDDT as follows:

School Council

1. The school council of a public school

a) The school council of a public school is the governing body of the school, executing the ownership rights of the school and stakeholders, responsible for deciding the school’s operational direction, mobilizing and supervising the usage of resources for the school, linking the school with the community and society, ensuring the educational objectives are achieved.

b) The composition of the school council of a public school includes: the CPV committee secretary; the principal; the chairman of the Trade Union; the secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union; representatives of professional teams, office groups; representatives of local authorities, and the parent representative board.

The school council has a chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, and other members.

The number of members of the school council is at least 07 and at most 11.

c) Duties and powers of the school council of a public school: Resolution on strategy, vision, plan, and developmental goals of the school in each period and academic year; resolution on the regulations or amendments, additions to regulations on the organization and operations of the school to submit to competent authorities for approval; resolution on the financial policies and asset usage of the school; supervision of the school’s activities; monitoring the implementation of the school council's resolutions, the implementation of democratic regulations in school operations.

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Thus, according to the above regulations, the composition of the school council at a public primary school includes the school principal.

What are the duties and powers of the principal of a primary school in Vietnam?

Under Point d Clause 1 Article 11 of the Charter of Primary Schools issued with Circular 28/2020/TT-BGDDT, the duties and powers of the principal of a primary school as follows:

- Develop the school's strategic and development plan; plan and organize the implementation of teaching and educational plans; report and evaluate the implementation results before the School Council and competent authorities.

- Establish specialized teams; administrative team, an Emulation and Commendation Council; Disciplinary Council; Advisory Council within the school; appoint team leaders, deputy leaders; assign teachers to be in charge of the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization.

- Perform the management duties of staff, teachers, and employees according to the legal provisions and guidance from educational management authorities; develop a professional capacity development plan for teachers and staff; motivate and create conditions for teachers and staff to participate in educational innovation activities; evaluate and classify teachers and staff according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training; participate in the recruitment, transfer, arrangement of teachers; organize steps to nominate personnel for the competent authority to appoint vice principals.

- Manage and receive students, approve student transfer requests; decide on disciplinary actions and commendations for students; approve student evaluation results, student promotion, and retention lists; organize examinations to certify the completion of the primary education program for students in the school and other subjects within the school’s jurisdiction.

- Implement the primary school education program as stipulated by the Ministry of Education and Training; textbooks, and local educational content as decided by the Provincial People's Committee; manage, use, and select reference publications used in the school according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training.

- Participate in specialized team activities; engage in self-study and self-training to enhance professional and managerial capacities; attend political, professional, and managerial training courses; teach according to the prescribed teaching workload for principals.

- Manage administrative duties; manage and autonomously use the school's financial resources and assets in accordance with regulations.

- Organize the implementation of grassroots democratic regulations; carry out educational socialization, coordinate organizations, and mobilize social forces to participate in educational activities, and promote the school's role within the community.

- Build a safe, healthy, and friendly school environment, and prevent school violence as per legal regulations.

- Enjoy the benefits of policies for educators and other preferential policies as stipulated.