SHE was once a student here, and now she leaves her alma mater as an outstanding principal after an illustrious teaching career that spanned 36 challenging yet rewarding years.
She’s none other than Gurjeet Kaur Kabal Singh, 60, the retiring principal of SMK Convent Green Lane.
Her teaching career began in 1988 at SMK Baru Lenggong Hulu Perak, followed by SMK Seri Sentosa (1991 to 1992) in Kuala Lumpur, SMK Convent Light Street (1992 to 2015) and SMK Convent Green Lane, where she served as principal from 2016 to 2024.
Having led the school for eight years and nine months, Gurjeet’s legacy was celebrated in a heartfelt retirement ceremony organised by SMK Convent Green Lane. It was a fitting tribute to her dedication, leadership, and unwavering passion for education, as well as an emotional farewell for all attendees.
Head Prefect Jada Elisha Chow Ying, 17, highlighted Gurjeet’s profound impact in academics and beyond, instilling a sense of belonging and excellence among the students.
“You have made SMK Convent Green Lane more than just a learning ground – it has become a place we can rightfully call our home.
“You have always encouraged innovation, supported all our initiatives, and left an inedible mark in every corner of the school.
“Despite being stern, you have always had a soft spot for all your students.
“You were our second mother in school, and your commitment to excellence and passion for education will always remain in our hearts,” Jada said in her speech during the retirement ceremony at SMK CGL in George Town today.
School Senior Assistant 1 Siti Indriati Abdul Aziz also delivered a touching speech, praising Gurjeet as a visionary leader who believed in the power of hard work, dedication and passion.
“Madam Gurjeet’s role went beyond that as a principal. She was instrumental in ensuring the school’s infrastructure and facilities were top-notch for the students to thrive and learn in a conducive environment.
“To name a few, she was instrumental in the completion and upgrading of several facilities, including the MakersLab, school toilets, a soundproof music room installed with Gamelan instruments from Indonesia, and physics and chemistry labs.
“She was constantly worried about securing funds to get the job done but due to the human connection she established, these projects became within touching distance and now a reality for the school.
“She displayed inspiring leadership, an Iron Lady that pushed all of us for one thing, which was to raise the bar for SMK CGL!
“Madam Gurjeet, although your presence will be missed in the school, remember that your legacy will continue to live on for a very long time,” said an emotional Siti Indriati during her speech.
Later, representatives from the Parents and Teachers Association (PIBG) and the Board of Governors (BoG) also delivered their speeches, thanking and commending Gurjeet for her tireless service and commitment to the school.
Then the most anticipated moment of the day came when Gurjeet herself took to the stage for her final speech.
Known affectionately as Iron Lady, Gurjeet maintained her composure throughout, despite the emotions of the day and keeping a packet of tissues for obvious reasons.
“I am just so overwhelmed and happy to see that my service as SMK CGL’s principal is greatly appreciated.
“My heartfelt appreciation to principals from neighbouring schools here in the northeast district for attending my retirement ceremony.
“This reflects the healthy relationship we have fostered over the years, and it is my wish for this connection to grow in years to come.
“Throughout my 36 years of teaching, I have learned multiple invaluable life lessons, the importance of perseverance, commitment, passion, the power of teamwork and the value of integrity.
“To all the teachers and my 854 daughters, thank you for making my journey a memorable one although at times I had to make tough decisions that may not have been favourable to many,” Gurjeet said.
She recalled one of her proudest moments was breaking the SMK CGL record in the school’s average grade (Gred Purata Sekolah) for the SPM examinations of 2.8 in 2011 to 2.48 in 2023.
Gurjeet’s retirement ceremony was made even more special with the presence of her husband Harbhajan Uttam Singh, children Gurvinder Singh and Gursharon Kaur, and daughter-in-law Bhaveeta Kaur.
As she bid her final farewell, Gurjeet shared her excitement for the next chapter of life.
“God has been bountiful with his blessings. Now, it’s time I take a break, listen to the chirping of the birds without the need to rush to school early in the morning, and no more morning messages requesting leaves,” Gurjeet said with a smile.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar