Loved principal remembered

The death of former Pinocchio Educare Centre principal, Ms Cheralle Beddar on September 14, has left many at the school and in the community in mourning.

She was well-known for her dedication and hard work at Pinocchio and she was much-loved by her pupils and the Edenvale community.

Her daughter, Ms Christine Kruger, told the NEWS when her mother told her that she had decided to become a teacher, she couldn’t have been more proud.

“Here was this woman, who was gentle but strong, kind but firm, going to have a hand in molding children’s lives. There couldn’t have been anyone more perfect for the role. It was fantastic, watching my mother and watching her bloom. She truly enjoyed teaching,” said Christine.

Cheralle returned to Pinocchio three years ago and brought about significant, positives changes at the educare centre.

“My mom helped parents understand how important education was. It didn’t matter if there was a language barrier, she taught with love and love is the same in every language.

“Children in her class blossomed under her guidance and care,” said Christine.

She said her mother raised her own children with lots of love.

“She always put children first, even on her deathbed. In these last few months, I witnessed a side to my mom I had never seen before. I saw her more human side. She was no longer the super hero mom that I had always known. She showed me that she too can be scared and discouraged. I hope that for the rest of my life, others will see flashes of my mother in me – the good and the bad,” said Christine.

Clr Heather Hart and described her as a loving person who adored her pupils but recognised the need for discipline as well as fun in the classroom.

“When Cheralle agreed to return to Pinocchio Educare Centre three years ago, some difficult decisions needed to be taken with regards to the education offered and it was decided that the focus would be early childhood development and the after care facility was discontinued,” said Clr Hart.

She said that she has provided excellent leadership to the her teaching staff and has been a role model to her pupils.

“Cheralle Beddar will be sorely missed. She was a much-loved teacher and an excellent one and the ease with which her pupils graduated to grade 1 is a testament to her abilities,” Clr Hart said.

The NEWS’ Editor has often, in the past three years, publically commended Cheralle on her work at Pinocchio and the significant improvements in staff appointments and facilities at the educare centre since her appointment.

“Cheralle’s death has left many, including myself, shocked at realising the significant loss to the community. She was simply an amazing educator. She was never one to seek the spotlight but her amazing skill as a teacher and her love for children made it impossible not to notice this Edenvale gem,” said the NEWS’ Editor, Marietta Lombard.

“My mom won’t be forgotten – she was a woman who quietly made a difference in so many lives,” said Christine.