Celebration of Pn Lee’s Retirement

Only a week into Mr Lim’s retirement, the school was saddened to see yet another good teacher leave. After serving the school for as long as 17 years, it was without doubt an undesired event for many of the teachers. 22nd February and it was seven-thirty in the morning. Slowly and gradually, students of different forms from the morning session started to occupy the hall. Some of them only saw this event as an escape from the busy school routines whilst others, having known the teacher well enough, saw this as a last chance to show their appreciation.

As the empty spaces of sitting ground showed lines of packed teenagers, the light dimmed and all attention was diverted to the stage. From the main door of the hall, Pn. Lee, accompanied by a few of her colleagues and the Principal, walked up onto the stage. Walking alongside them were dancers from the Cultural Club. After the group was seated, two girls from the Chinese Club prepared tea and 2 dancers served tea to the VIPS.

As the tea ceremony commenced, a few other dancers not in charge of serving tea flitted across the stage, getting an enthusiastic response from the crowd. After bows and much applause, the performers retreated backstage and gave way for Pn. Gui Sew Hwa. She gave a little insight into Pn Yau’s history and also into her stint in the school. Well, Pn Yau was born on the 24th of February and she has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Malaya. During the year 1992, she managed to transfer into SMJK Yu Hua after numerous attempts. SMJK Yu Hua is by far the 7th school she’s taught in. She served as a teacher and an advisor to both the Editorial and Photography Clubs.

After Pn. Gui Sew Hwa’s speech, it was the Principal’s turn to give a speech in Bahasa Melayu stating that he appreciated all of Pn Yau’s efforts for and dedication to the school. The final speech was by Pn Yau herself and there were a few things that she pointed out. For example, she told the audience that she always saw her colleagues as her family and her students as her children. She also pointed out that effort plays a big role in the success of one’s studies. She took the opportunity to thank her colleagues who’d taught her own children; for guiding them and ensuring that they grow up in a happy and positive environment. Finally, she apologized to anyone she might have offended over the years, with true sincerity.
 

Upon returning to her seat beside the Principal, she was again invited to stand up and move into the front of the stage, to sing with 10 girls, led by Yu Hua’s Star. Halfway through, some prefects came up with a board shaped like a heart. Then, each of the prefects walked up and presented a little heart-shaped card, probably inscribed with their wishes or perhaps prayers for the teacher. All of them were stuck on the board for the teacher to take home. Pn. Lim was also given souvenirs and gifts by a number of teachers and a certificate of appreciation for all her hard work. The celebration also ended with loads of gifts by various clubs and uniformed bodies.

At eight-forty that morning, Pn. Lee checked out for the last time and was escorted to her car along a path lined by members of the various uniformed bodies who had mounted a guard of honour. She left with her husband, leaving behind some of her students in tears and some others, hopeful. She will be missed and let us hope this celebration won’t be the last time we see her.
 

 

Click Here For Photo Gallery

Prepared by,
Web Team Photographic Division Elite
Esmond Sit Bo Sheng
 

 

Back 返回