“China High” was the name given to Vancouver’s Britannia Secondary School back during the days of my youth.
Back then, most of the Asian kids concentrated around the old neighbourhood of Strathcona, next to Vancouver’s old Chinatown. As a result of this ethnic enclave, many of the kids ended up going to Strathcona Elementary and Seymour Elementary Schools. For High School, the place was Britannia Secondary.
And with such a large Chinese and Japanese population in the school, the place got affectionately known as “China High”.
Most of the kids going here were first and second generation Bananas. Heck, almost all my family relations (past and future) and lifelong buds went to Brit. Including some friends who later became politicians, star athletes and multi-millionaires (yeah, you know who you guys are).
This year, Brit is having their 100th Anniversary, and I’ve received over a dozen messages from old friends and relations asking me to share this great news. Heck, even at a recent Chinese New Years dinner, I sat at a table where almost everyone was from Brit. …even an Aunt, who was there, wanted me to spread the word as she is on the organizing committee.
So here you are folks. Hope to see some of you and hope you all are well.
May 16 & 17, 2008
Britannia Centennial
Reunion
Please join us for the best reunion in 100 years at the school and the PNE Agrodome!
for more info contact
Britannia Centennial Reunion Society
1001 Cotton Drive
Vancouver, BC V5L 3T4
Tel 604.713.8266
Fax 604.713.8265
***
BRITANNIA’S RIBBON-CUTTING
A 100-DAY COUNTDOWN TO THE GALA EVENT
Energetic students roared their approval as several VIPs and former alums simultaneously cut the bright, broad red ribbon spanning the width of their school auditorium stage Wednesday afternoon, February 6, 2008. This ribbon-cutting event formally marked the 100-day countdown to their upcoming centennial celebration May 16 and 17, 2008.
Barbara Howard, a graduate and member of Canada’s 1938 British Empire Games team to Australia, described the Britannia of her day, her experiences thereafter as a Vancouver teacher for forty-three years, and her pride in her school then and now. John Minichiello, former Britannia teacher and school principal, carried the baton from the 60s through the late 90s. He described the political climate and events resulting in the creation of the Britannia Community Services Complex, and the many and varied athletic and academic successes of Britannia students throughout its history. Joe Ferrara, a Kitsilano Secondary School counsellor, recounted his high school life as school president and athlete at Britannia, as a young political activist and ultimately, for thirteen years, a Britannia school counsellor. Other VIPs such as Bill Reiter, well known comedic actor, Barry Houlihan former Britannia high school president and professional football great, current BC MLAs Richard Lee, and Shane Simpson were also in attendance supporting their alma mater. Dal Richards, who will be a key entertainer at the Saturday night Gala Event, rounded off the list of honoured guests.
for more info, please check out their website:
http://www.britanniacentennial.com/
