IN a fast-moving, digital world, aspiring teachers must keep themselves updated with the latest teaching and learning techniques.
That is the parting advice from teacher Simon Sathiyakumar (pic) who recently retired after serving in Negri Sembilan schools for more than three decades.
Born in Seremban, the St. Paul’s Institution (SPI) alumnus received his certificate of education at the Pasir Panjang Teachers College (MPPP), Kuala Terengganu, in 1990.Having taught English, Mathematics, Living Skills, Art & Craft, Physical and Health Education, Civics and Moral Education at SK Palong 14 (Felda), SK Pusat Mantin, SMK Lui Barat, and SMJK Chan Wa, the Excellence Service Award recipient bid farewell to the teaching profession on May 31 after clocking out for the last time at SMK St. Paul.
Simon, who holds a Bachelor of Art (English, Writing and Journalism) degree from Universiti Putra Malaysia, has also served as examination secretary, assistant sports secretary, prefect teacher, magazine photographer, athletics coach and athletics technical chairman for North Seremban Schools Sports Council (MSSDSU).
His most successful charge was former SPI athlete Nanthakumaran Paneerselvam, who still holds the Negri Sembilan Junior high jump record of 1.95m, which he set at the Selangor Athletics Open in 2014.
In international sports, Simon served as a technical official for lawn bowls at the 16th Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, a secretariat member for the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) at the 22nd SEA Games in Vietnam, and a field athletics official at the 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.
Simon, whose father, grandfather, uncles, aunties and siblings were also teachers, is married to SMK Mantin administration senior assistant Josephine Ong.
“My late father, Rajasingam Solomon, was trained in SPI where he later served. He taught at SK Pusat Mantin until his retirement and I have followed closely in his footsteps.
“My fondest memories are of teaching English to Year One pupils in the 90s. They learnt the language through drawing, colouring and singing, and passed their exams because the lessons were enjoyable.
“As an old schoolteacher, what I miss most about teaching were the handwritten record books, attendance registers and notebooks which were completely done away with when the Covid-19 pandemic hit,” said Simon, who now plans to devote his free time to God, his family and friends.
