Memories Of Bridgeport School Memories of Bridgeport School bring mixed emotions. To a five year old, the size of the school and the many students were both intimidating and overwhelming. For five year olds in today's education system they have hadmany experiences outside the home; pre-school and kindergarten to introduce them to many other children and adults. The students at Bridgeport School came from all areas of Richmond and had a common bond in that their family background was usually farming or fishing. I was always amazed that, living at the very south end of Richmond (one-half mile from the south arm of the Fraser River), our designated school was Bridgeport, which was located at the north end of the Island. This school was the greatest distance from our home. We were picked up by school bus before 8:00 a.m. and were bussed home about 3:30 p.m. The driver, Mr. Harry Stuchberry was very strict and did not tolerate any unruly behaviour. On a few occasions I can recall some students who were behaving in an objectionable fashion were unceremoniously put off the bus. It was certainly an incentive for others to abide by Mr. Stuchberry's rules. Discipline in the schools was also very severe and any misdemeanors were dealt with swiftly by the teachers or principal. I found this out when I was very young. My cousins were chasing me with an umbrella and we were running in the halls and up and down the stairs. Our punishment was really quite lenient. We spent the next few weeks before school, at recess and lunch hour sitting in the vice-principal's room. This was very moderate compared to the discipline that was given to a classmate. He was strapped vigorously in front of the entire class. It was certainly a traumatic experience for everyone. When my schooling began at Bridgeport School in 1933, the student population was approximately 450 - 500 students and had a staff of 15. The physical facilities were three stories; a full basement, five rooms on the first floor and five rooms on the upper floor. There were also three small outer buildings; two used as classrooms and the third as a gym. Both my mother and father had attained their high school graduation from Bridgeport School which made me feel more comfortable in my new surroundings. Another advantage I had was having numerous cousins and my brother, one year my senior, to give me emotional support. They were also there to help me with some of the subjects I found difficult. I can still vividly recall standing at the blackboard in Grade One trying to print my name and in my frustration feeling very angry at my mother for giving me such a lengthy name. However, it was a terrific learning experience in that before my own children started school, I had taught them to print their names, print the alphabet letters and also the numerals. I attended Bridgeport School from 1933 - 1939 and graduated from Grade Six to Richmond Junior Senior High School. As I became more involved In various activities such as music and sports I gradually felt more at ease at elementary school. One humorous event that still makes me smile is a concert that took place in Cambie Gym. I had been chosen, along with two of my friends, to sing the song 'Christopher Robin is Saying His Prayers'. We had practiced with the music teacher until we felt it was flawless. Unfortunately the staff had chosen the five year old son of the Principal at Mitchell School to portray 'Christopher Robin' and because he cried so loudly throughout our rendition we could barely be heard. Each May 24th the Richmond School students gathered at Brighouse Race Track to celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday. For months before the event we all practiced flag drills and maypole dancing so we could perform without any mistakes. We were all dressed in blue shorts and white tops so I'm sure it looked very impressive from the grandstand.