By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BARU: May 16 has been designated and celebrated as Teachers’ Day since 1972, a day when the public focus falls on the value of teachers and their contributions to society.

Most schools nationwide mark the occasion with students conveying their respect and appreciation for what they do and for the role they play in shaping the minds and lives of those they teach.

Recently, the girls of SMK I.J. Convent, Johor Baru wanted to show their appreciation to their teachers in a very much unique way by paying tribute to their most-loved educators.

The school then commemorated the occasion with the girls desiring to revere the special work of teachers in being great educators and reliable guardians.

One former student came all the way to greet her former teacher Andi Noor Munawara Bachok, currently the SMK I.J. Convent’s principal.

Nor Rafidah Ahmad, 41, now a bank manager said she last met Andi Noor in 1993 while she was studying in primary six.

“After my primary six we parted ways and on completion of my form five, have been trying to locate her but was in vain,” she said sadly.

Only a few days ago she heard from her friends that Andi Noor was in Convent and she made an attempt to meet her on this Teachers’ Day.

Upon seeing her, both hugged each other and tears began to flow freely and later Nor Rafidah presented a cake for Andi Nor.

“It was a meeting of a teacher and her former student and I consider this a gift of a lifetime,” she said.

Andi Noor retires from the teaching fraternity in August this year after having been a teacher for 35 years. And this would be her last Teachers’ Day celebration in school.

The students put up songs, dances and performances to honour their teachers. They also presented gifts, flowers and greeting cards to them.

The occasion as one student described as the teaching profession is to give due recognition for its irreplaceable role in society.

Sheri Anne Chong Ting, 17, said on this day we remember our teachers for the great work they have done for us.

She said Teachers’ Day is meant to honour those whose work ensures that the future is bright for students.

“Our teachers have been the guiding light, made our lessons fun, strict but gave us the best in education,” she remarked.

Her schoolmate Nor Aleya Erina also 17, said, “Whenever you find something extraordinary, you’ll find the fingerprints of a great teacher.”

She described her teachers as the guiding light.

Another 17-year-old Nur Darwisyah Hamdan said her teachers have made a wonderful difference in her and taught her something from textbooks to life lessons.

“You taught us like a teacher, protected us like our parents, and guided us like a mentor. You truly deserve this day so much,” said Nur Darwisyah.

Meanwhile Sai Danitha Ramesh, 17, said, “You inspired me to reach my goals and achieve my dreams. You inspired me to be you.”

She expressed her gratitude to her teachers for planting the seeds that are going to last a lifetime.

School principal Andi Noor later thanked her teachers for giving their best and going the extra mile for the school and their students.

“It is you who are always in contact with students and they consider you their second parents. Hence these students look up to you,” she said.

She was happy to note that many students after leaving school return to visit their former teachers who have shaped them into what they are today.

Also present were Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman Nasution Saad Putra and guests from Johor police.

Students present cards and flowers to their teacher Norliah Saman (second from left) and school principal Andi Noor Munawarah (fourth from left).

Principal, teachers and staff of SMK I.J. Convent cut theTeachers’ Day cake.