TEACHERS WHO SHAPED ME (SCHOOL TEACHERS)- PART III

This is in continuation with the previous post.. 

Alphonse miss was taking care of annexe. She had such a charm and smiles always, no doubts everyone likes her and the kids at annexe school were very fond of her. My sister joined in first standard, she used to tell how lovely Alphonse miss was. During Christmas celebration time, annexe kids used to get gifts. Each child had to bring a gift and all gifts will be collected and tied on to ropes for display and any child can take any gift of their choice. Our school thought us the joy of sharing even at a tender age.

Library miss was Uma miss. She had a cute smile. We also had value education subject. Short stories with morals and great values were taught. Alex sir was in accounts section. 

    From left to right: Frederick sir, Lily mam and Regis sir at the extreme right.

Our principal, Regis sir’s birthday celebration during my twelfth standard. Collection from some of the rarest photos.

Our school not only encouraged us in studies, but also in sports and other extra-curricular activities.

Our P.E.T (physical education, training) teachers were Hemalatha miss and Rayor sir. I like hemalatha miss, she was friendly and caring. During my sixth standard half yearly exams, she came for inspection. When I was writing my paper, she saw my handwriting and told your handwriting is very nice. Believe me or not, I do not know if my handwriting was nice till then, but after she told, I improved my handwriting and made it a point that even if write fast in exams, it was readable and understandable. Sometimes we don’t realize how even few words of appreciation from teachers can have a great impact on students life.

We had different uniforms on PET days. T-shirt and shorts of different colours based on seasons, summer-yellow, winter- blue, autumn- red and spring- green. Many people liked spring as the colour green was pleasant, but my favourite was winter and blue. I love winters. We celebrated sports day every year and the house  with best performance was given trophy.

Handicraft class was taken by Alamelu miss. I enjoyed handicraft classes, making handwork out of waste materials, coconut shell, rubber gaskets etc. Saravanan sir was teaching bharatanatayam, Nataraj sir drums, Anandaraj sir drawing.

We were taken for school excursions every year, once we went to Kishkinta theme park, once to MGM theme park. During my eleventh standard we went on educational trip to Ooty  and in twelfth standard to Kodaikanal. Those trips were so enjoyable. That is the time, most of us realise how friendly and caring teachers are.

Our school had the culture of celebrating cultural events for each and every class and section, so that all students were encouraged to take part in some extra-curricular activity, be it dance or singing or drama or miming or whatsoever. It helped us in bringing out our hidden talents.

We had a school annual day celebration every year in which all rank holders were honoured and cultural events were held.  We also had a school band troop and I played Clarinet in the band troop.

Our school motto is ‘Dare and Do’.  

My hobby was stamp and coin collecting. Our director, Frederick sir had returned from United States (US). Once, during my seventh standard, I went to meet him and requested him to give me some US coins and stamps. He happily gave me.

Some of these coins were given by him. He put it in an envelope, with my name written and gave me.

I  thank all the office staff and laboratory attendants. I also extend my thanks to all the ayaas, drivers, security people and peons who worked silently for the well being of  the students.  

Recently, in 2015-2016, school Silver Jubilee was being celebrated. They invited former students as chief guests for various school functions. I had the privilege of being invited as ‘ chief guest,’ for Pongal day celebrations in January 2016. The biggest moment in my life, till now, was that day. It was such a proud moment for me and my parents. I could see the tears of joy and happiness in my mothers and my teachers eyes. Our teachers were so great that they called their students as chief guests, motivating many students.

    Alphonse miss on the left and  Britto sir on second right. 

My mother being honoured. Murali sir, Alphone miss on extreme left and Martin sir on extreme right.Thanks to Emile sir for persistently inviting me and for giving me nice collection of photos which give thousands of memories. 

I feel it is the way of showing my gratitude and feel happy in writing about my teachers.  I wish all my teachers a very happy teachers day always and my prayers for their happiness and good health.

Thanks to my parents for always giving us the best in everything possible.

                                                                                          Written by Dr.Priyavadhana