My very first day at Longwood Infant’s School was something I will never forget. My auntie Mary walked me as far as her school, Hartford Senior. After she left me I continued on the journey with Mackey Peter and Betty. Betty was born the same year as me and we stayed in the same class all through our school days.
I settled into Longwood infants and junior school quite well. I made friends easily and I played with my cousin Annie most of the time. Annie was quick thinking and did well at school, while I was slower and always seemed to get into trouble and I always seemed to be awkward. Shortly after my first day of school I was introduced to corporal punishment. It was mainly due to my not so good behavior and being late.
The main reason that I was always late for school was because I was awake most of the night while my grandparents would argue. It was mainly my grandfather being very vile to my grandmother. My grandmother would start crying and I would lie awake in bed and cry as well. This fighting would continue all night into the early hours of the morning. Because of this constant arguing I would oversleep and then be caned at school for being late.
Todays experts say that children need consistency. I most certainly did get consistency as my grandfather would say that he hated me and that I made his blood boil everyday. My grandmother on the other hand would say that she loved me and constantly praise me.
The head teacher would cane me in front of the rest of the class. I wasn’t sure what hurt more the actual caning or the sad eyes of the other children watching me as I was caned. The children would watch but not a single one would ever laugh.
I did not cry but my heart was filled with tears. Most of the teachers at Longwood infants/juniors school were nice to me and I remember them with great affection. Especially Mrs. Macy Thomas, Diedre Gough, Daisy Francis and her sister Lillion and Freda Green.
I liked Longwood infants and junior school so much that I hated when I had to move on to go to Hartford.