AFTER 33 years of shaping young minds, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Permatang Rawa principal V. Vijayaletchumi has closed the final chapter of her teaching career, leaving behind a legacy of discipline and dedication.
The 60-year-old, born in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, began her teaching journey in 1992 after graduating from Maktab Perguruan Sultan Abdul Halim in Sungai Petani, Kedah.
Her career took her to several schools in Penang including SJK(T) Rajaji, SMK Convent Light Street, SMK St Mark Butterworth, SMK Perai, SMK Bukit Mertajam, SMK Kampong Kastam and SMK Mak Mandin before she took the helm at SMK Permatang Rawa in October last year.
For Vijayaletchumi, teaching was never just a profession but a lifelong calling.
Over the years, she earned three excellent service awards in 2006, 2016 and 2025 in recognition of her commitment and contributions.
Students and teachers gathered at the school hall earlier this month to celebrate her retirement, showering her with gifts and heartfelt performances as they bade farewell to their beloved principal.
In her speech, Vijayaletchumi reflected on her journey with pride and gratitude.
"Throughout my years of service here, I have always held to the principle that an educational institution requires unwavering commitment and firmness in carrying out its mission.
JKP Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Farizul Arif Abd Mutalib (right) handing over the RM16,000 contribution to Vijayaletchumi (left) on behalf of Sim's office. With them is Sundarajoo.
"I believe every student in this school deserves the best, and we must be willing to give more than what is expected.
"I am aware that at times my firmness may have been seen as harsh.
"However, it was a firmness built on discipline, planning and the ambition to see this school continue to excel.
"I am grateful that such firmness has borne success and, more importantly, has nurtured teachers and staff with integrity as well as students with discipline."
Vijayaletchumi's colleagues described her as a firm yet caring leader who always put her students first.
Many said her leadership style helped instil a strong sense of responsibility among both staff and students.
Penang housing and environment committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, who attended the farewell ceremony, also witnessed the handover of RM16,000 from Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim to the school Parent-Teacher Association for the purchase of new whiteboards.
Located in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam, SMK Permatang Rawa was also announced as one of the schools to be adopted under Program Sekolah Angkat Madani 2025, which aimed to upgrade infrastructure and facilities.