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39
Pearson and Mrs. Williams, the Senior and Junior Clerks in the
School Medical Department, both of whom had recently married.
I would like to pay a tribute to Mrs. Pearson, who, as Miss
Ogilvie, came to us about 16 years ago. No Education Committee
had a more faithful servant. No work was too much trouble for
her. Not only was she a capable Clerk to me and my Medical
Assistants, but she was well liked by all the nurses and teachers
with whom she came in contact. The children of Enfield owe
much to the work she did here. We wish her well and all happiness
in her married life. Miss Ogilvie is replaced by Miss Cooper, who
has been transferred from the Engineer and Surveyor's Department,
to the position of Senior Clerk in the School Medical Department.
We were also sorry to lose Mrs. Williams, who, as Miss Allen,
had been in the School Medical Department since March, 1939.
Her very pleasant and charming manner and her efficiency made
her an excellent Junior Clerk who was always prepared and able
to undertake with capability senior work when the occasion arose.
Her position has not yet been permanently filled.
In the general improvement in the health of school children
there is one factor which must be considered as of equal importance
as treatment clinics and medical aids, and that is the provision
of school meals. During the course of the year no less than
2,770,741 1/3 pint bottles of milk were consumed in school by our
children : no less than 633,530 mid-day meals were provided.
An average child needs three things to thrive well physically
and mentally. Affectionate and wise parents, a good home and
good food. The Education Committee can help to provide wise
parents by giving sound teaching in parenthood to its elder students,
a task that will be made easier when the school age is raised and
Young People's Colleges are instituted. The provision of good
homes lies with the Council rather than the Education Committee,
but the Education Committee can, and has provided, school meals
on a large scale and many of the figures of this report pay testimony
to the value of this work—a combination of the foresight of the
Committee, the administration of the Director and the hard work
of the teachers. To all three am I deeply indebted, as to my staff,
for the help and courtesy I have received during the past year.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
DENNIS H. GEFFEN,
School Medical Officer.