Moodubelle: Headmaster Peter Raphael Aranha retires after long service of 37 years
By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Pics By Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network
Moodubelle, 31 Oct 2012: Headmaster Peter Raphael Aranha who had the distinction of winning the ‘Rashtra Prashasthi’ as the best teacher and who has been working first as an Assistant Teacher for 15 years and thereafter as the Headmaster for 22 years, totaling 37 years of distinguished service in the Church Aided Higher Primary School, Moodubelle retired on October 31, 2012 on reaching 60 years of age.
A farewell function in honour of the retiring Headmaster, Peter Raphael Aranha was held in the school hall on October 31, 2012 at 2.30 pm. Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, Correspondent of St. Lawrence Educational Institutions presided over the farewell function. Peter Raphael Aranha and the incumbent Headmaster, Sylvester Mathias were on the dais along with Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes.
Besides the students and teaching staff of the school, the farewell function was attended by Mrs. Leena Sequeira-wife of Peter Raphael Aranha, Alphonse K. Alva and Mrs. Jacinta D’Souza, respectively the Vice President and the Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Gerald Fernandes-President of the Parents-Teachers Association, Benedict Martis-memebr of the Management Committee, Commodore Jerome Castelino-Dean of St. Lawrence College, Fr. Lancy Saldanha-Principal of St.Lawrence English Medium High School, Mrs. Chandrakala-Senior teacher of St. Lawrence PU College, Mrs. Hilda Aranha-Senior Teacher of St. Lawrence Kannada Medium High School and Dr. Eugene D’Souza-Principal of St. Lawrence Degree College.
Following the prayer song by the students of the school, Sylvester Mathias, the present Headmaster welcomed the chief guest-Headmaster peter Raphael Aranha and other dignitaries. Speaking on behalf of the students, seventh standard student Gauri said that Headmaster Peter Raphael Aranha was an ideal teacher and exemplary Headmaster.
On behalf of the teachers, senior teacher Mrs. Lilly Sequeira said that Peter Raphael Aranha had the privilege of teaching and becoming the Headmaster of the same school in which he had studied and served the school with dedication for the last 37 years first as teacher and later as Headmaster. She also pointed out that being a good sportsman himself, Peter Raphael Aranha promoted sports in the school with special emphasis on Volleyball. It was because of his dedication and training that the school Volleyball team had won championship at the Taluk level for many years and the girls Volleyball teams had even won at the district and once at the state level tournament. She recalled that Peter Raphael Aranha had joined the school as a teacher in 1975 and in 1990 he became the Headmaster following the retirement of the then Headmaster-Boniface Barboza. Mrs. Lilly Sequeira also lauded the leadership qualities and oratory skills of Peter Raphael Aranha and wished him good health and peace of mind after his retirement.
Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes honoured Peter Raphael Aranha along with his wife, Mrs. Leena Sequeira by placing shawl on the shoulders of Peter raphael Aranha, garlanding both of them and offering fruits and a memento. Thereafter, members of the Management Committee, heads of other institutions, teachers and student representatives offered flowers to Peter Raphael Aranha wishing him a happy retired life.
In his reply to the felicitation, Peter Rapahel Aranha briefly narrated his journey as a teacher and headmaster for the last 37 years and thanked all those who had been responsible for his success, especially the President and Secretary of the Catholic Board of Education, all the Correspondents, office bearers of the Parish Pastoral Council and the members of the Management Committee.
In his message, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes recalled the long service of Peter Raphael Aranha and appreciated his contribution as the Headmaster of the School for such a long time. He wished him good health, peace and happiness in his retired life.
Alphonse K. Alva, Vice President of the Parish pastoral Council proposed the vote of thanks. Niriksha, the sixth standard student compeered the programme very well.
Following the end of the farewell function, all the students were treated to sweets sponsored by Peter Raphael Aranha.