SANGUEM: The students of Miracles High School, Sanguem boycotted classes over the sudden decision of the school management to transfer the school headmaster Fr Anthony Melvin Fernandes without prior notice.
The decision was taken immediately after Fr Fernandes informed students of his transfer, during the first day of school assembly after the Diwali break.
The decision to boycott classes took everyone by surprise and soon students who had gathered in the school premises were seen holding placards which read ‘We want Fr Anthony back.’
The news of boycott call soon reached parents, who also gathered in the school campus in support of students’ demand to retain Fr Fernandes as the school headmaster.
With students and parents not ready to withdraw their decision to boycott classes, even after persistent requests by school authorities, Vice Provincial of Society of Pilar (which runs the school) Fr Andrew Silveira reached the school and had a brief meeting with some PTA members and teachers.
After several pleas Fr Silveira managed to bring the situation under control for the day and at the request of PTA Chairman Queiroz Cruz and others, students went into their respective classrooms at 12.15 pm after which regular classes were held.
The PTA also warned of fresh agitation if Fr Fernandes was transferred during the middle of the academic year.
We are not against the appointment of a new headmaster, but the arbitrary transfer of Fr Fernandes in the middle of the academic year, after barely five months of taking charge will not be tolerated, Cruz said.
Speaking to the media, agitated parents and students informed that since his appointment as headmaster six months ago, Fr Fernandes has brought several changes in the school and had prepared an extensive plan for the developments of the school and the students for the next few years.
The PTA members have now resolved to demand the appointment of Fr Fernandes at Miracles High School for the next five years.
