Dundee’s legendary Grade One teacher puts down the chalk one final time
For Cheryl, teaching is as natural to her as breathing.
“To teach is to touch a life forever.”
This is the motto that classroom veteran Cheryl Elliott holds dear to her heart after 43 years of teaching Grade 1s at Dundee Junior School (DJS).
Cheryl will lay down her chalk at the end of the school year and while admitting that she has shed tears at the thought of retiring, she told the Courier that she has now come to terms with the ‘big moment’.
“Since 1965, when I started school in Dundee, my life has been regulated by timetables and ringing bells – such has been my involvement with schooling.”
Checking her stats, Cheryl says that over 5400 children have passed through her classroom since she started teaching in 1981 at what was then called the Dundee Infant School (now Ethangeni School).
“I have taught the children of parents who also went through my Grade 1 classroom! But the most satisfying aspect of this profession is to get a visit from a past pupil who just pops in to say thanks for everything, Mrs Elliott – I have just qualified as a doctor, become a CEO or whatever else they have achieved.”
While she was born in Bloemfontein, Cheryl is very much a Dundee lass, having completed her school career and matriculating at Dundee High.
“I was one of those who just loved school. I loved the sport, the friends and the learning. In those days, girls only had four options: get a job at a bank, become a secretary, a nurse or a teacher. But I always wanted to be a teacher, so it was easy for me.”
Cheryl studied teaching at a training college in Pietermaritzburg. She also did a course in remedial teaching, as that was also one of her passions.
“When I graduated, I was hoping to be placed in any town except Dundee. I wanted a change!”
But it was not to be… In 1981, Cheryl was posted at the then Dundee Infant School and lived in the school hostel – now the police barracks.
“I earned R142 a month, but had to pay R28 for hostel fees.”
By then, she had already met Mark and the couple were married in 1982. They have two children, Guy and Andrea, and four grandchildren.
Guy is in Pretoria and has also gone into education; he is the hockey coach for the Under 21 SA team. Andrea has settled in Canada with her family.
In 1995, Dundee Infant School combined with the then Dundee Primary School to become Dundee Junior.
Cheryl has occupied the same classroom ever since.
“Back then, there were four Afrikaans classrooms and one English classroom. Now it is reversed. The class numbers are also bigger – where we had about 28 kids in a class, we now have up to 40.”
Cheryl says that, like the times, parents and children have changed too
“Sadly, parents are not as involved in their children’s lives as before. On the day school opens, we often have kids coming here all by themselves without anyone with them. Some even end up going to the wrong school, as they are left to their own devices.
“Some parents do not even bother to pick up their children’s report cards. So teachers end up being the mother, father, nurse and psychologist.
“Sometimes I would get home and find a little note in my handbag that would say ‘I love you, Mrs Elliott’ or even ‘I love you, mum’. It is touching, but also a sad indictment of how the family unit has largely disintegrated.
“Kids grow up with relatives, and the parents are not around.
“That’s why the kids never cry when school opens these days.
“They are street-wise, which is not always a good thing.”
While she is not sure what she will do in 2024, Cheryl says she will first take time out to relax.
“Mark’s health is not good, so I will be with him, but also hope to spend time with family and friends. It has been a wonderful journey to be part of so many people’s lives.”
For his part, DJS principal Brits Maree says Cheryl was an amazing example of a dedicated educator.
“I have been her principal for 22 years and always make sure I foster a good relationship with staff. I am a principal who likes to devolve management to ensure that every staff member has input into the running of the school. Cheryl has been a very committed teacher and one we will miss dearly.”
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