School, A Friend, and Brownies

New schools are a challenge for any kid, especially for an immigrant child who doesn’t speak the language. Ingrid Shouldice, who lived with her family in Mount Dennis when they first came to Toronto in 1953, went to Dennis Avenue School. Her memories are sparse, but she believes she missed her brother in the schoolyard where girls and boys had to play in different areas. She also recalls an incident with the grandfather of her best friend during a visit at her friend’s home where she had often gone after school. She now understands why her mother wouldn’t allow her to join the Brownies (the Girl Guides’ program now known as Embers).

Watch the video.