SMK Air Itam principal Tan Guan Keat was given a rousing send-off on a four-wheel drive upon his retirement by the school staff and students.
Earlier, he rode on a decorated motorcycle in his last tour of the school.
Tan, who was appointed the school head six years ago, left with a heavy heart but satisfied that he had done his best to improve the school.
Also present, several parents commended Tan for ensuring that the school’s programmes and activities catered for all races and religions.
“I sent my daughter to the school because the school even holds annual Ponggal celebrations.
“Under Tan’s stewardship, SMK Air Itam was truly a 1Malaysia school,” said parent G. Arumugam.
Tan said he had tried his best to promote racial and religious harmony in the school which has 1,150 students and about 100 teachers.
“I have taken strong actions to reduce disciplinary problems.
“I must thank my senior assistants and teachers for their good cooperation,” he said.
Tan, who graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree from Universiti Sains Malaysia, had taught Physics at SM Ismail Petra in Kota Baru for five years after he graduated in 1977.
He returned to Penang in 1982 and taught in three schools.
In 2001, he was posted as senior assistant (administration) of SMK Air Itam.
“I’m proud that the school won the Chief Minister’s Green Award in 2005 and 2007 for promoting environmental awareness and green programmes,” he said.
In his farewell speech, Tan said he was pleased that the school defeated Chung Ling High School in the Chinese debate competition this year.
“Although we finished third in the competition, our students performed well,” he said.
