Sarah Cross

As Headteacher of Weeke Primary School, we held a staff past and present memorial service. Thank you for everyone for your attendance and to parents for your support. I thought it appropriate and right to share our thoughts, we shared at the memorial:
Sarah Cross: Through Many Loving Eyes
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming and sharing in our memories and celebration of Sarah.

Today we gather with full hearts to celebrate someone who shaped this school for a quarter of a century. Sarah Cross wasn’t just a teacher at Weeke; she became part of our walls and corridors, our playground gates and front door welcomes, and the stories that children, staff and families will carry for a lifetime. She was a quiet, gentle presence with a rather naughty sense of humour—she delighted in making others laugh and could belly giggle at life. She had that rare gift of saying nothing at all yet offering a reassuring presence that said, “I’m here.” Sarah loved her colleagues in those quintessential ways: popping her head round the door to make us jump; pulling a funny face if we looked down; producing resources we’d “borrowed” and forgotten to return. She leaves behind a loud legacy—an echo across our spaces. Small but mighty; quiet and unassuming, yet brilliant and devoted. She was our dear colleague, friend, and we loved her.

Through the eyes of a Headteacher
As headteacher, you learn that the culture of a school lives most powerfully in the everyday gestures—how we greet a child, how we steady a worried parent, how we hold a colleague’s silence. Across my seven years of knowing Sarah, I saw her embody Weeke’s values—kindness, respect, responsibility and the pursuit of excellence—in the smallest, most human ways.

Sarah made school easy where it mattered most: she was steady, consistent and quietly brilliant. Her Early Years classroom radiated safety and calm, never a raised voice, yet the kind of attention that made learning irresistible for the children in front of her. In that, she lived out our school’s aim to offer “ambitious and enriching learning opportunities,” helping children thrive as confident, happy, independent learners.

She linked eras of leadership here—working with Maggie and Michelle before me—and carried that sense of continuity that strengthens a community. She volunteered for what mattered: the Christmas lights with the recorder groups; art weeks; buddies; the countless small tasks that make school feel like a family. When I picture Sarah at work, I don’t see fanfare; I see a safe pair of hands, a raised eyebrow that told a whole story, and a calm that made the day better for everyone around her.

Through the eyes of a colleague—and for many, a good friend
Among staff, Sarah’s language was practical kindness. She checked in; she shared resources; she remembered what you were carrying—both literally and emotionally. Colleagues recall her as calm in chaos, witty in gentle and mischievous ways, and the first to help where help was needed.

There are stories of dog walks in the rain, school quizzes and dressing up days, pizza and scary movie nights, and a dry, teasing humour— “I’m going to miss you, Badger,” wrote one close friend. There are memories of being her “morning door buddy,” sharing those little chats that start a day right. Staff who trained with her at King Alfred’s remember a brilliant, caring friend—quiet and unassuming, but observant, intelligent, and always with a twinkle in her eye.

She poured herself into school life well beyond the classroom: supporting the Otterbourne Theatre Company, becoming the constant chaperone and proud member of that family; some families even made a tradition of coming to see her in the panto. And then there are the gloriously honest moments—being put in charge of football despite “knowing nothing about the b…y game,” and somehow making it work through humour and teamwork.
Even in the little things, she was joyfully herself: that famous aversion to pink— “No pink!”—became a running, affectionate joke that nudged children to embrace the whole rainbow.

Through the eyes of parents
Parents know what it is to stand at the school gate and hope their child will be seen, soothed and stretched. Again, families say that Sarah made the very first days feel effortless—she was the calmest, kindest soul; a safe pair of hands; the perfect first teacher.

There are the driveway visits during lockdown—Sarah and a colleague walking house to house with a pull along trolley, checking in and delivering small gifts in the summer heat. There are the home visits where she reassured a worried mum that she’d “met the perfect friend” for a shy child—those two are now fourteen and still best friends. The parent who regularly read with her class remembers that all the children adored her, because she “understood them” and “never yelled.”

Parents recall the everyday too: the way she stood at the doorway morning after morning; the cheerful visits during Year R lockdowns; the interest she took in older siblings long after they’d moved on; how she nurtured creativity—even when a child marched out with a “creation” the size of a small shed made from the biggest cardboard box in Hampshire. And they remember how she championed reading—explaining phonics patiently at parents’ evenings, setting children on their way as readers with pride and delight.
Many families speak simply: “You never forget your first teacher.” Especially when your first teacher was Miss Cross.

Through the eyes of the children, she taught and nurtured
Children remember feelings more than speeches—and with Miss Cross, they remember feeling safe. They remember a teacher who never shouted, even when the glue sticks went missing; a storyteller whose calm voice could quieten the room; and a grown up who still cheered for them years later.

They remember sports days she led with joy; breakfast club pop ins with a secret smile; and the morning “hello” that made school feel like home. They remember her humour: the “No pink!” rule that made them laugh; and the way she loved their giant cardboard inventions—however much tape they used.

They remember the magic: a little one pointing to the brightest star and saying, “That’s Miss Cross looking down at me,” and another who declared that she taught “Teddy”—a toy bunny— “everything he knows.” They remember nicknames like “Lukee Babes,” treasured because they were hers alone. And they remember that she knew them by name, even years later—because once you were one of hers, you always were.

Pause for the ceremony

Let me share my memory that makes me smile: When Jack—my son, now in Year 3—first started at Weeke, he joined Ash Class with Claire and Jennie. But, in true Jack fashion, it didn’t take long before he formed his own special connections with every adult across EYFS. One of the memories I will always treasure is the look Sarah used to give him whenever his collar was sticking up. For anyone who doesn’t know Jack, he is ridiculously ticklish—so much so that most people wouldn’t dare go near his collar for fear of him collapsing into a heap of giggles.
But not Sarah.
She had this gentle, mischievous little smile—the cheeky look she’d flash just before moving slowly towards him, knowing full well what was coming. Somehow, she was the only one who could smooth his collar down without him wriggling away or erupting into uncontrollable laughter. And she didn’t just do this in Reception. It became their quiet little ritual through Year R, Year 1, and Year 2.

That small moment—so ordinary, yet so full of warmth—captures exactly who Sarah was. She saw children as individuals. She noticed the tiny details. She connected with them in ways that made them feel understood, safe, and genuinely loved. That memory of Jack and his turned-up collar is one I will carry with me always, because it reflects the heart of Sarah: her intuition, her humour, her kindness, and the effortless way she made every child feel known.

“Let’s take a few moments of quiet to remember our own Sarah story—the smile at the door, the steady hand at the table, the joke that made us laugh out loud.”

Reflection
Where do we feel Sarah now? In the hush of an Early Years carpet time. In the corridor doorway where she stood each morning. In the seat at staff meeting that can never quite be filled. In the laughter that echoes when we recall her cheeky grin—and in the silence that follows when we realise how much we miss it. She showed us that excellence can be quiet, humour can be gentle, and love can look like turning up for 25 years.

At Weeke we speak often of building confident, happy, independent, creative learners; of staff who set high expectations; of a community that works together to help each child thrive. Sarah did all of that—and she did it with grace. She was, in so many parents’ words, a constant and cherished presence at the very beginning of children’s journeys.

And because she would want us to smile, we promise to keep the giggles going, to cherish the cheeky grins—and yes, Sarah, we’ll try not to overdo the pink.

Sarah, thank you for the gift of you: for kindness, laughter, magic and care. We will miss you; we will remember you; and we will carry your legacy forward in everything we do—one child, one family, one small act of quiet goodness at a time.

Two of my children were lucky enough to have Sarah as their first teacher. As others have said, her calmness was her strength. This provided such a supportive environment for them to learn. I will always remember the first nativity I saw at Weeke. Sarah did not take the spot in the limelight in introducing the play to the parents, but she sat at the front facing the children so they could see her and be reassured. She knew this was the most important thing. I enjoyed speaking to her as a parent when helping on trips or visiting the classroom and got to know her wry humour a little. This is such a devastating loss to the children and community. I wish she'd have known all the things we've written.

Miss Cross was such a wonderful teacher. She gently guided Florence through her transition to school and she was brilliant during lockdown. We fondly remember Miss Cross delivering pots of playdoh to the doorstep and reading stories and even executing scavenger hunts on google classroom! She had such a calming and safe presence and always looked out for Florence long after she’d left Oak class. She will be hugely missed.

I was lucky enough to have Miss Cross as my teacher in Year 1 after a tricky start to school. She made me feel understood and seen. After all these years of education, Miss Cross remains my favourite, most memorable, most impactful teacher I ever had.

She inspired me to become a primary school teacher myself. Whenever I had a wobble or self doubt crept in during my PGCE, my mum reminded me of Miss Cross and how she helped me. You don't need to be the loudest, the most confident teacher to be hugely impactful. By being wise, compassionate, caring and observant, she made school a safe place for me.


Thank you Miss Cross for everything.

Ms Cross was such a caring and nurturing person, and truly the best first teacher we could have wished for our little one.

I will always remember our first parents' meeting and her warm, supportive, and encouraging words. Joseph absolutely loved her, and I know she cared for him deeply as well.

Our hearts are broken. She will be greatly missed.

Sarah was a massive part of mine and my children’s lives. She cared so much for her job and the children she taught. My first born is now 33 and Sarah was her first ever teacher. I then went in to share more memories with 8 more children. Everyone of my children are deeply saddened of her passing but have such wonderful memories of her. As do I. We are all still in shock but will always have the memories of many years she shared with all my children. Thankyou Sarah for being part of the early years with my babies. Your never be forgotten x

Miss Cross taught my daughter Elodie and was the first person I met at Weeke Primary. She had such a calming presence, and even though Elodie’s first year coincided with Covid, Miss Cross made it a really positive and encouraging year for Elodie and her classmates. Miss Cross is so missed within the wider school community. She was an integral part of Weeke Primary. She always put the children first and provided the most amazing start to their school lives. With much love and prayers.
Rosie and Mat Castano

Miss Cross will be dearly missed, she has shaped and changed so many young children’s lives and I was honoured to be in her class back in 2010 and she always made you feel cared for and special. I’m now over half way through my teacher training and she definitely inspired me to be a teacher. May she rest in peace x

Dear Miss Cross,

You were a wonderful teacher and you will always, always be remembered. I remember when I went into school with Beth everyday and you would call us trouble! I really miss you, you will always be in our hearts.

Love Iola

To Miss Cross,

I really miss you. You really are the best teacher and also when I did something a bit naughty, you would sometimes called me a cheeky monkey!

Lots of love from Tomos

Thank you Miss Cross for being such a wonderful first teacher. You instilled a love of school and learning, and took everything in your stride. Even when Tomos kept on falling asleep in the classroom!

Love from the Montague Ifan family xxx

Miss Cross was a wonderful teacher. Both Lizzie and Olly have such fond memories of her. As well as her wonderful way with the children in their earliest years in school I will always remember her for her excellent puppy socialisation skills as she cuddled whichever puppy I’d brought to school in a bag that day.

She will be much missed x

Dear Miss Cross, you are truly missed by Dylan and Dani. Thank you for making their first days at school so wonderful and bringing so much joy and care to the classroom.
You have left a stamp on their hearts and they will never forget you.
Love from Dilly Dally as you fondly called him and Miss Dani xxx

We were so sad to hear the news. The morning playground seems different…. Miss Cross’s absolutely constant presence at the hall door was something I have depended on for over 10 years since September 2015 when my eldest stepped through that door.
Miss Cross quietly grew the confidence and skills in all 3 of my children. I couldn’t have wished for a kinder, more levelled approach to the way she supported the transitions into school life for the very little children starting on their formal education journey. She was the gateway to all the goodness in Weeke Primary School. In an uncertain time of Covid Miss Cross provided stability & “normality” for my youngest. My children adored her and remember her dressing up for various fun days!

Thank you for laying the foundation for so many of our community’s children. In time, people may forget what others say but they never forgot how they made you feel. You made me feel supported on the parenting journey and the children felt safe & like they had fun!

We will always feel so grateful for that.
Thank you Miss Cross with love from Julia, Jonathan, Zara, Freya & Reuben Hempenstall xx

Sarah - a beautiful soul and a wonderful teacher x

Sarah, the world is a different place without you in it.

Being the teacher in the class next door for 6 years was a true honour. I learnt so much from you as a teacher and your way with the children was inspiring. I loved how you were amazing at PE and took my class too, while I did the reverse in music. Together we were a great team and played to our strengths!

Thank you for letting me drag you along to OTC too! I know that was a big step for you, meeting a whole load of new people, but you fitted in, took great care of the children in the cast and you were the constant chaperone to all of the children. You really are part of the OTC family.

Not only was I lucky enough to work with you but I was also lucky to call you a friend outside of work and for that I’m forever grateful. You were a fantastic ‘Auntie Sarah’ to Lucy and Jack and I are forever thankful that she got to spend so much time with you. The endless bags of sharing sweets, the thoughtful personalised gifts, she’s been truly spoilt by you and she has so many wonderful things to remember you by.

You will be missed so much by the Weeke community, the OTC community, but also by the Hobbs Family.

Thank you for being our friend and we hope you are at rest (as Lucy says!) “on the beach”

Forever in our thoughts.

Rest in peace our dear friend xx

It is too hard to describe how much we miss you Sarah.
I miss your presence at the door twice each day, and our children miss your calming, funny presence in class.
Thank you for understanding the little quirks of every individual, and appreciating them for exactly who they are, knowing how to get the best out of each one. You made our children’s starts to school so smooth and positive. Thank you for giving them all the gift of reading, and for never being too busy for a chat.
We still can’t believe you’re gone. We miss you,
Ruth, Phil, Naomi, Lydia and Sam

We are so saddened by the loss of Miss Cross. She was our youngest’s first teacher when we moved to Winchester and we really struck gold. His transition to school was seamless and he adored her. She was calm, unassuming, patient, and had a great sense of humour. Our hearts go out to her family and close friends.

I worked with Sarah for over 20 years at Weeke. As well as working together at school, we spent some memorable moments on year 6 residential trips. As a teacher Sarah was always calm and reassuring with the children; she had a wonderful way of managing the class and helping all the children she taught to feel safe and supported. I will remember Sarah for her sense of humour and care for the children. Rest in peace Sarah xx.

I’ll be forever grateful for you being so kind, caring and patient with my boy.
As I’m from Germany the start of school was something totally new for Karl and me but you made us both feel safe from day 1.
And most of all:
You taught my son the first steps of reading. What a wonderful gift!

You’ll never be forgotten.

“I hope it’s nice where you are and the sun is shining and it’s a beautiful day”

What an amazing, devoted Teacher you were and a great colleague. You taught both my boys. Jake was in your class, (Your first post, a Year 2 Teacher). You then moved to Year R, where Luke was lucky to have you, as his teacher. He loved his year with you, you nicknamed him ‘Lukee Babes’. No one else , but you, were allowed to call him this. Luke would correct everyone, who tried to call him this. Myself included and I was his Mum!! In between these years, you took on the role of being in charge of the School Football Team…….Wayne, will never forget the conversation between you both…..You told him you knew nothing about the b….y game so between you and him you managed the Team! The news of your sudden passing, shocked us all. The boys remember you fondly. You will be sadly missed. Much love to all at Weeke. Love Jacqui Joslin xxx

We’re so sorry that we’ve lost you. What a loss to school and the children.
You used to pop down to breakfast club most days and check in with the children and have a little wry smile with them.
You had such a gentle, quiet way but also very funny.
I started at Weeke in EYS many years ago, in the other class, and couldn’t believe how you could get your class so quiet when you needed them to listen and never a raised voice. When a few years later I came down to do story massage sessions in YR I naively thought YR children are just quiet in class(they’re not!), but they were with you.
You helped at so many school events, including the Christmas lights switch on this last Christmas with the Recorder groups.
A hard working teacher with a big heart, we miss you Sarah.
May you rest in peace.

Thank you for the wonderful start you gave Barnaby in Year R. The care, warmth, and confidence you instilled in him have stayed with him all the way to Year 7, and we are forever grateful for the foundation you helped build.
I only realised reading your memory wall that our paths crossed long before then and that we trained as teachers at the same time. I have since found both our names on my old leavers’ jumper. It made me smile to know that our journeys in teaching began together.
It was a privilege to collaborate with you during transition between our nursery and Year R. Your compassion, dedication, and joy in your work touched the lives of so many children and families and I feel lucky to have known you both as a colleague and as someone who helped shape my own child’s early school years.

Miss Cross was a truly wonderful teacher to our two daughters. She showed such kindness, patience and enthusiasm, and made a lasting impression on them both. They always spoke so warmly about her and how she encouraged and supported them. We will always be grateful for the difference she made in their lives. She will be very much missed.
Jay, Varsha, Arya and Ava

We were all so saddened and shocked to hear of your premature passing. It was always so reassuring to drop Luka off each day knowing he was in such good hands, and that you would help guide him — as you have done for so many others — through the beginning of his school journey with such kindness, care, and consideration.

You were clearly a constant and cherished presence for so many at Weeke. Through your years of dedication, you touched and shaped the lives of countless young children in such a positive way. Your impact will not be forgotten, and you will always be remembered with gratitude and affection.

Love and thoughts to your family, friends and colleagues.
Alan, Lucy, Leia & Luka x

We were so sad and shocked to hear that Miss Cross had died so suddenly. We will remember her kindness and patience as the boys YR teacher; her unassuming nature and her ability to just ‘understand them’ made her so unique. I especially have fond memories of regularly reading with her Year R class and all the children adored her. We are sending love to all the staff she worked with, her friends and loved ones at this time. Sarah, Nathan, Thomas, Freddy and Edith x

We were so very sad and shocked to hear that Miss Cross had passed.
Miss Cross had taught both Olivia and Sophie in Oak class.
She supported Olivia through being a lockdown Year R, and her visits always bought a cheer to us when times were feeling challenging.
Sophie has such a creative side, which Miss Cross positively nurtured. And the sense of humour she had when Sophie bought out her “creations” (large cardboard boxes!) after school.
Miss Cross made starting Weeke School so effortless for us all, and we shall miss seeing her daily. Our thoughts and condolences are with her friends and family.
Lots of Love
Phil, Claire, Olivia and Sophie
Xxxx

We are so very sorry to hear of Sarah’s passing. She held my daughter’s hand gently and humorously through her Reception year and has showed her care for the whole family ever since. Her love and investment for the children was tangible and we send our love and strength to her family, friends and colleagues. What a legacy.

We were very sorry to hear of Miss Cross's passing. It came as a great shock to me and the kids.
My journey with her has been long as 3 of my kids were in OAK class with her. Two of them are in secondary school now.
She was a lovely person and a great teacher and I always had a positive view of her.
I used to see her everyday at the hall door as my youngest goes in through that door. So every time I go into school now I think about her, she's no longer at that door and it feels more empty now.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones and the whole school community.
I've added a photo from a sports day 3yrs ago... she was always in charge of early yrs sports day, so that will be another reminder now.
RIP MISS CROSS 🙏

We are so sad to hear of the passing of Miss Cross. She taught two of our three daughters, but all three were very fond of her.

During lockdown, when school was closed, Miss Cross and a colleague visited all of the Year R pupils, walking to each house. She stood socially distanced at the end of the driveway with her pull-along trolley to see how we were and to deliver a special gift. It was such a kind thing to do, especially in the heat that day!

The doorway where she welcomed the children each day will always remind us of her.

Karen & Rob Prestidge

We only knew Miss Cross for a short time as our daughter started in her class in September 2025. We are so grateful for the kindness and care she showed towards Evie, making that transition into school so much easier. Evie adored her and was adamant that Miss Cross should come to her birthday party!

We know others of all ages who have either themselves been taught by Miss Cross or who's children have over the years so her legacy is huge!

She is certainly missed and we send all our good thoughts and wishes, particularly to those who knew her well, during this sad time xx

Miss Cross was my daughter’s teacher in her very first year at school, which was also a challenging time for me personally. Knowing that she, with her calm and kind nature, was guiding my daughter through those first school days was incredibly reassuring.

She was a wonderful teacher and helped my daughter settle into school life, grow in confidence and love learning.

In the last year we were lucky enough to share the same entrance door, so we saw her most mornings. She was always such a warm and welcoming presence, greeting every child with a cheeky smile and a friendly hello, and remembering all their names even years later.

She was always so interested in what we were up to, and we loved telling her how wonderful the pantomime she was involved in was.

She will be so very missed. No one forgets their first teacher, especially when they were as kind and special as Miss Cross.

Miss Cross was a wonderful teacher to both of our children and helped them transition into school with such warmth and care. She played such an important role in helping them begin their school journey with confidence, learning to read, building friendships, and feeling happy and safe in the classroom.

She had a very understated nature, which we loved. The children absolutely adored her. She was calm, kind and quietly confident as a teacher, and that created such a lovely environment for the children to learn and grow.

Some of my favourite memories are from parents evenings, where she patiently helped me understand phonics and how children learn to read. Another special memory is when my daughter and her friends went to see a local panto. It was wonderful to see Miss Cross in that creative environment outside of school, she made such a fuss of the children and even got them up on stage.

She made a real impact on our children’s early school years and we will remember her very very fondly ❤️

When Lottie started school in September she was so nervous to be starting school, with the help of Miss Cross she flourished and loves going to school and for that i will be forever grateful for making the start of my little girls school journey so smooth.
Lottie now looks up at the sky at night and when she sees the brightest star she says that is Miss Cross looking down at me. Thank you for everything Miss Cross. We will miss you x

Sarah, you'll be hugely missed. You were an amazing teacher, having made such a positive impact on so many children but you've also helped countless parents learn as well.

Josh, Lucy and Charlotte all talk very fondly of you and will miss you terribly.

Personally I will miss our catch ups on the playground. Your excitement when I brought in the most ridiculous sized boxes for the class, that knowing grin hinting that they'd soon be coming back home as a work of art!
I like to think it was revenge for those years when we turfed you out of the year R classrooms for the whole day to set up Santa's grottos or got you to play the part of a fruit machine at the fete!

We loved coming to see you at the panto and that became a tradition for us too.

You were the ray of sunshine we all needed. The world is darker without you but your legacy will live on at Weeke. No pink!

Steve xx

I knew Sarah Cross for a long time, she taught my older daughter Isobel in 2010 and my younger daughter Charlotte in 2019. They both loved her and skipped in to school, settling them into school life really well.

I particularly appreciated her professed aversion to pink, which helped my girls to embrace the whole of the rainbow.

She had such a positive impact on my family and I know that she is really missed.

Miss Cross was both my boys first teacher. She took wild boys from Farley nursery and taught them how to read and to love learning. Is there any greater gift and legacy she could have given my family?

Such awfully sad news. What an amazing lady. Ms Cross was a wonderful teacher whom my children remember fondly, particularly Ruby. No pink.
Rest in peace
❤️

How lucky our children were to have had Sarah as their first teacher. And how fortunate as parents to know such a calm, reassuring, dedicated, gentle professional. This is such terribly sad news.

Our family is saddened by the untimely passing of Sarah. Miss Cross was a big part of both of my boys journey through Early Years, a valuable teacher who was always kind and full of joy. She lit up their classroom and nurtured the sparkle in their eyes. She will be missed xxx

Miss Cross was such a kind and funny person. She always greeted us in the morning with a smile and such warmth. Billy and Riley always have, and still do talk so fondly of her. In the short time since her passing, she’s already so greatly missed. Reading how over the years Miss Cross impacted so many people’s lives is truly amazing. What an exceptional lady. Sleep well Sarah xx

An incredible teacher, and a kind soul. Taken far too soon! Rest in peace xx

I was lucky enough to work with Sarah during my time teaching in Early years at Weeke Primary. She was such an inspirational teacher dedicating so much time to the job. She was always on the children’s side and gave them a wonderful start to their school life. Sarah was fun to work with and became a good friend. We shared many projects together including the annual nativity play. Sarah‘s passing is a great loss to the teaching profession in general and to Weeke Primary in particular. Dear Sarah you will be missed.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sarah. She was the calmest, kindest soul and I am very lucky to have worked alongside her at Weeke Primary.
Sarah made learning feel safe and joyful and it was clear that she genuinely cared about all the children she taught. Knowing that our son was supported in early years by someone so patient and nurturing meant the world to us.
You will be remembered with love, respect and heartfelt thanks by our family. Rest in peace Sarah xx

My daughter told me Miss Cross was one of her favourite teachers because she never yelled at anyone in class. Miss Cross was kind and had a good sense of humor, my daughter loved her classes so much.

It's really hard to say goodbye.
Rest in peace, Miss Cross.

Both my children blossomed with the support and love of Miss Cross. I feel incredibly lucky that she was in their lives and she will be so missed. X

I will always remember the day Sarah arrived on our doorstep introducing herself as she embarked on her newest members of her upcoming class. She handed over a gift bag with a poem that said how well she would look after our child, and she never failed in her promise. She was kind, caring and a wonderful teacher who will be very much missed by everyone that knew her.
So thank you Miss Cross, for being a most valuable part of my child's story, we will forever remember.

Theo and Lily were so fond of Miss Cross. They both felt very safe with her. She will be very missed.
You never forget your first teacher. Thank you for everything Miss Cross. Love from The Fuller Family xxx

What a fabulous teacher and all round human Miss Cross was. She perfectly balanced lessons with humour and empathy and understanding. Our kids rushed to her in the mornings. She was a beacon of the school, and we will miss her a lot. Love to all her friends and family members. X

Sarah was a great teacher and lovely lady. Did so much for all the children at Weeke and always there to help us parents too. Will be sorely missed by all.

We are all sadden to hear about the loss of Sarah. She taught both our boys in their first year of schooling and set them up for the next.
She especially supported Alfie in joining the school, with lots of extra support, She made his toy bunny "Teddy" and honourable member of Oak class and Alfie says " she taught Ted all he knows "
I was always updating her with the boys progress, with Ollie leaving last year and Alfies reading levels. She started his year with the Little wandle scheme and its is working wonders!!!
My Mum says she always liked seeing Sarah when she picked the boys up and loved seeing the beautiful clothes she wore!
She will be deeply missed at the school and her memory will live on with us like many more. A wonderful Teacher taken too soon.

Thank you for being warm and welcoming on my first day at Weeke. Thank you for being my morning door buddy, I'll greatly miss our chats. Thank you for supporting my big ideas, like championing the recorder club up onto the stage for the Christmas lights switch on. Your passion and wisdom for teaching will never be forgotten. You will be forever missed but your legacy will live on in all of us. Rest in peace Sarah x

How loved Sarah would feel reading all these wonderful things so many of you have shared. She is precious and what the wonderful obituary says and what people’s stories echo, is that genuine love and care really does make a difference, a lasting meaningful difference.
Her role as a teacher was something that mattered to her greatly, being a supportive and safe pair of hands was routed in everything she wanted the children to have.

She is to me a ‘sister from another mister’ and together with some other lovely ladies, a member of a family you get to choose. She is Aunty ‘curly hair’ Sarah to my boys and a loving welcomed member of the wider family. Her love of the Carpenters, the film Beaches, and the giggles at the film First Wives Club, make me smile and go some way to remind me of who I so very sadly miss.

Beloved Sarah, let’s trust in the stars and hope that you can feel all this love that is here for you, which was and will always be so deserved.

We are so sad to hear of the passing of Miss Cross. She taught both my children in Year R. She was an amazing support to our family through difficult times and it’s hard to pick out just one or two things to mention. My son started Year R not knowing anyone, to which on home visits she said ‘not to worry I have just met the perfect friend for him’ and they are now 14 and still best friends. When I was desperate because my daughter refused to leave me to go back to school after covid she went above and beyond and came and sat with her in our garden. After half an hour with Miss Cross, the fear was gone and my daughter was looking forward to going back. She was simply magic with young children.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues.

Sarah taught my three grandchildren she was the most wonderful teacher I’ve known always waved to be even when they moved on to other classes in Weeke primary and I was collecting them she was one of their favourite teachers my condolences to her family and friends Sarah was simply the best

Sarah was an everyday part of uni life with me from the first weeks of term, living together for 4 years, and continued friendship afterwards.
I really can’t believe this news and that the next catch up with the girls will be without Sarah.
You will never be forgotten Madge and will always be part of my history and life.
Sleep well ❤️
Love Baz xx

Sarah was my daughter’s EYS teacher in 2024, the relationship and trust they shared was beautiful. Sarah was always warm, kind and had a great sense of humour that we as parents had the joy of witnessing. All of the children loved Sarahs presence. She was a true saint and will be truly missed. My daughter still often talks about memories, funny things that happened with sarah. She really classed her as a friend. Our thoughts are with Sarah’s family and friends.

Miss Cross you were a truly amazing teacher and both my children have very fond memories of being in your class. My youngest was very shy when he started and was a totally different child when he left to go to year 1. You brought out the best in all the children and will be truly missed. Xx

Dearest Sarah, We cannot find the words to express our immense sorrow at your passing.
We have known Sarah since 1997 when she was at KAC with Faye and she became one of our family.
Her school life was so important to her but we knew the Sarah away from the classroom. She was a very private person but had a close knit group of friends of whom we were privileged to part of and we looked on her as an adopted daughter. She was loved by these including her two God-daughters Ella and Neve, enjoying their birthdays and being part of their Christmases.
Her visits up to us over the years brought her even closer to us and she enjoyed getting friendly with our cats and birds of prey, especially the smaller ones, not so sure of the big ones !!
We thought of you as another daughter and will miss you so much. Rest in peace my love. Sue and Gordon Robertson

Sarah was such a kind and caring person and a wonderful Teacher and colleague. We will all miss her very much. Michele, Steen, Lily and Iris Ingerslev xxxx

Sarah was a gifted teacher with the ability to make all her pupils feel cared for and safe. Her sense of humour was awesome and she had a sense of calm about her that is rare and special; she almost floated around school! She sent hundreds of children on their journey in education with care, compassion and consistency. What a legend and a legacy. Rest in Peace Sarah. xx

She taught both my children in Year R & they both adored her. Devastated to hear of her passing. She touched so many lives, utterly heartbreaking news.