Sherry bids KSP a fond farewell

AFTER 23 years of stellar service at Kloof Senior Primary School, Sherry Cullen, the beloved receptionist will retire at the end of August.

Her first day on the job was also her son’s first day in Grade 4 at the school in 1991. “I started as a part-time receptionist at the school and quite soon after that I became a full-time staff member,” said Sherry.

She has always been at the front of the house, and made it her mission to ensure that every visitor to the school was greeted with a smile and felt welcome on the grounds. Her official title at the school was as a clerk, but also monitored two doors, the main gate, the intercom, helped the parents and pupils that entered the reception area, answered the phone as well as the admissions. “Someone once told me that I needed to be an octopus to do what I did,” laughed Sherry.

“There are so many funny things that have happened during my time at Kloof Senior Primary School, that I am unable to choose just one to share. There are good memories at this place. Not everyone can say it, but for 23 years I have been happy to wake up and go to work every single day. KSP was just the right place for me.”

As one chapter in her life comes to a close, another one begins, and for Sherry and her husband Mike, it will take place in Cape Town. The couple have been planning the move for more than a year and are eager to start the new venture in their lives.

“My routine will totally change as I won’t have my alarm going off at 5.30am anymore and will now be able to sleep in until at least 7am. When we have moved, my husband and I will get totally involved in the local community as there is an animal welfare in the area and there is a community outreach programme,” said Sherry.

The grandmother said she would miss the children as well as the staff at the school. “I love the children dearly and I have made many friends on the staff at the school and will keep in constant contact with them after the move,” said Sherry.