The Cambridge Primary School community is in mourning following the passing of treasured past member of staff Cheryl Kent, who passed away on February 13 at 72.
This comes after the passing of former teacher Barry West just a few days earlier.
Kent is survived by her loving husband Richard, children Liesl and Rob, Josh and Meghan, grandchildren Gabriel, Callan, Caitlyn, and Aaron, sister Avril, and extended family.
With nearly three decades of experience in teaching, Kent has spent most of her life being a teacher, a mentor, and a parent to everyone around her.
Her journey at Cambridge Primary School began in the early 1990s and ended in 2018, when she retired. She held multiple leadership roles in teaching and her love for creative arts was an important part of her journey.
Elmarie Kent, one of the teachers at the school, shared her thoughts on the impression Kent had on those around her during her time as a teacher.
“Cheryl’s strength of character, warm people skills, and unwavering love for children made her a standout in the school community. She was respected not only for her professional abilities but also for her deep moral integrity.
“As a leader, Cheryl had an open-door policy, fostering trust with both colleagues and parents alike. She wasn’t just a teacher — she was a mentor, a mother figure, and a confidante to many,” Kent said.
The adored teacher was committed to sharing her love for creative arts, even going as far as getting involved with the annual art exhibition. Her son, Josh, shared a touching anecdote about his mother that perfectly illustrates the joyful person she was.
“Known for her creative abilities, she excelled in art, sewing, scrapbooking, and mosaics. Her love for her beloved sausage dog, Steve, became legendary, as Steve’s needs often took precedence over the family’s.
“She once famously shouted at one of my friends for helping himself to food, only to reveal that it was Steve’s dinner! Steve was so beloved that she even had a statue made in his honour when he passed away, placing it lovingly in her garden. It’s comforting to think that, perhaps, she is now reunited with Steve in heaven, sitting together with a hot water bottle on her feet,” Josh said.
Many past pupils and members of the public took to social media to share their memories of Kent as well as messages of condolences.
Morné Delport wrote: “Passion, enthusiasm, energy, love and so much more is what you gave us in abundance. A fond memory in particular is how much I loved listening to you read The BFG to the class as my grade 2 teacher. Rest easy, Mrs Kent. Another legend with an everlasting legacy,”
Stephanie Fouché wrote: “The kindest, most loving and caring lady. What a privilege it was to be a ‘Preppy’ in her class. Rest in peace, Mrs Kent.”
Heather McCracken posted: “I am so very sad to see that Mrs Kent has passed away. Her creativity and generosity to share her teaching skills at the many foundation phase meetings was an absolute bonus for me as a teacher.
“I am so grateful for what I learned from her. She was a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher who gave her very best at all times. Deepest sympathy to her husband and children.”
