Valentine’s Day has been canceled in some schools in the Novosibirsk region, according to atas.info. The move has sparked discussions about how schools handle festive occasions and why administrators decide to shift traditions in certain years.
In one Novosibirsk school, Valentine’s Day events were entirely banned. Instead, staff launched what they described as preventive work with teachers to address the mood and culture around celebrations. The aim, as explained by educators, was to focus on deeper lessons and student well-being rather than on a holiday tied to romance.
A unique element appeared at school number 96 in Novosibirsk, where a box was placed for anonymous messages. School staff told journalists they preferred to call the messages wishes rather than valentines. Students and teachers alike used the box to share kind thoughts, compliments, and positive notes that could be anonymously submitted and later read aloud in classes.
Officials emphasized that the project was about encouraging respectful communication and uplifting one another rather than promoting a holiday. The initiative group collected the messages and distributed them across classes so every student could hear a kind note from a peer or teacher, reinforcing a culture of positivity without referencing Valentine’s Day as such.
Elena Novak, the principal of school No. 91, clarified that while the administration does not forbid celebrations entirely, there was no pre-submission of proposals from students for events. As a result, the school opted to focus on other national observances and an upcoming Defender of the Fatherland Day, aligning activities with broader civic and historical themes rather than a Valentine’s Day celebration.
Meanwhile, at school No. 2 in the Toguchinsky district, officials chose not to host special events specifically for Valentine’s Day due to the administration’s ban on celebrating what some staff described as American holidays. This stance reflected a broader consideration of school calendars and cultural priorities during the season.
Historically, a similar trend has appeared in different contexts. For example, in the past some institutions in China offered students a brief break to pursue personal matters and perhaps find romance, a nod to social dynamics that differ cross-culturally. These actions illustrate how schools navigate festive calendars and student well-being while respecting local norms and educational goals. In recent years, the emphasis has increasingly shifted toward inclusive activities that foster kindness, community spirit, and constructive communication among students, rather than focusing on specific holidays. This evolving approach mirrors broader conversations about classroom culture and the impact of celebrations on learning and student interactions. Some observers note that such shifts can help students channel social energy into positive peer relationships and school-wide initiatives rather than themed celebrations. See atas.info for ongoing coverage and contextual updates.