Somehow, Cheryl never seems to be far away. She's like the ministering angel one can always turn to. When I look at the stars I fondly imagine that hers is a little brighter than the others! Such was her personality when with us all. Rest in peace dearest Cheryl.

Hello,My heartfelt tribute to the expert teacher Mrs.Cheryll D'Souza who always was eager to teach us English.
May her soul rest in peace.
Nithin S

Hey Charmaine,

My deepest condolences to your family. I hope and pray that you and your family find the strength to become stronger together.
'Cher was one of those teachers that you remember fondly each time you think about school. More than just lessons in English, she taught us how to be better citizens of the world. Wherever she may be, I am sure that she's watching over you.

Stay strong Charmaine.

Rohit Reddy
(5/2/2015)

My deepest condolences to you and your family Charmaine,

Miss Cheryl(as we called her) was a wonderful lady with a huge heart and treated my fellow pupils and I with a sense of calmness that we all needed but at the same time we were terrified of disappointing her because she always expected and knew that we could get better (the annoying teenagers we were). Now that I look back on it, I realize how she got the best out of us, it wasn't about ruling with an iron fist, she genuinely cared about our well-being not just as a student but as a person.
A personal favorite memory of mine was when she wrote me a recommendation to get into the International School in Zurich. I didn't have the best grades to get in but I think that lovely recommendation is what swayed them to accept me in to the school.
If there is anything I can do, please let me know

Rohan Rajiv
(4/2/2015)

Dear Uncle, Verne, Brent & Charmaine,

How are you all doing and hope all is well at your end .

I want to covey my heartfelt condolences to all of you and the family on the demise of mum. I was shocked to hear the sad news yesterday from my dad.

I was away in Australia on work during the first week of Feb and did not hear any news from fellow batch mates too on the sad news. My Dad had met uncle yesterday after mass and learnt about the incident It's been very difficult to digest this.

Mrs. Cheryl D'souza - A person more than a teacher. An angel, friend and guide, She has been such a blessing in my life and She is one of those who has played an important role in making me the person that I am today. I owe her all my success and thank her for having been part of my life and always encouraging to bring out the best in myself.

Mum has definitely gone to a better place where there is happiness and no sorrow, comfort and no pain. She will watch over you every single day and intercede for your well-being. 

A tribute to a loving mother, (more like a mother to me than a teacher)

God saw her getting tired, a cure was not to be.
He wrapped her in his loving arms and whispered ‘Come with me.’
She suffered much in silence, her spirit did not bend.
She faced her pain with courage, until the very end.
She tried so hard to stay with us but her fight was not in vain,
God took her to His loving home and freed her from the pain.

With tearful eyes we watched you suffer And saw you fade away.
Although we loved you dearly We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating Your beautiful smile at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove He always takes the best.
It’s lonesome here without you We miss you so each day.
Our lives just aren’t the same Ever since you went away.
When days are sad and lonely And everything goes wrong
We hear you gently whisper, ‘Cheer up and carry on.’
Each time we see your picture, You seem to smile and say,
‘Don’t cry, I’m in God’s keeping, We’ll meet again someday.’

Love to all at home,
Jarryd

It is with shock and disbelief that I read the circular.

It is so hard to accept that life can be so unfair. Mrs. Cheryl Ann D'souza - so vibrant, so full of life, so cherished, much loved and respected. People say that the ones God loves the most are the ones who are snatched away from this world too soon... but it is still so hard to accept.

She greeted me with a hug every time we met, and always remembered our previous conversation. We shared a love for books, and discussed our favourite authors. We would also discuss our views on the importance on bringing up kind, gentle, and tolerant children in these confusing times. When I shared with her a few thoughts on creative methods of teaching, she immediately asked me to address the teachers on the same. I have not known a more open, dynamic and visionary Principal.

Mrs. D'Souza was one of the few teachers who had achieved that fine balance between affection and authority. I am sure every single student adored her, yet would not dare to misbehave in front of her. When my son Amogh was 7 years old, he was scared to go to school because of some trouble caused by another child, and I can never forget the sensitive way in which she handled both children. She even spoke to Amogh on the phone personally to reassure him. He is lucky to have had this precious interaction with her when he needed it the most.

It is the norm to fear one's Principal, but Cheryl ma'am, as she was fondly called, inspired students through her love and understanding. It is this quality of a great human being that has touched the heart of every student, every teacher, and everyone who had the good fortune to know her. Her students in particular will have her goodness, gentleness and greatness imprinted on their character, making them assets to society. A legacy that few can hope to leave behind. 

My deepest condolences to all the teachers and staff. My thoughts and prayers are with her family in their hour of grief. I also reach out to the countless lives she has touched in her incomparably generous way. May she rest in peace.

In tears.

Veena Prasad  (Parent  Sherwood High)