View report page

127
school, according to the technical knowledge of the individual
teachers and the degree of interest in the subject felt by the
headmaster. It would be to the advantage of the physical training
in Boys' Departments, and would tend towards the establishment
of an even level of efficiency, if an organising master were
appointed to undertake work corresponding with that done by
Miss Apple-ton in the Girls' and Infants' Departments.
Many of the teachers have had the advantage of an army
course of physical instruction during military service. While this
has enabled them to appreciate the advantages of physical training,
it must be remembered that the army course is naturally
similar only in some of its underlying principles with that drawn
up by the Board for the instruction of children, and knowledge of
the one does not necessarily imply an adequate acquaintance with
the other.
PROVISION OF MEALS.
The arrangements for the provision of meals have been on
the same lines as in the previous year. The recommendations
made by the School Medical Officer, Teachers, Attendance Officers
and Care Committees are considered by the School Canteen SubCommittee.
The meals are provided at local dining rooms, and
consist of two courses—meat and a milk pudding.
The number of meals provided was considerably less than in
the previous year. There was similarly some decrease in the
number who received free milk in school, with a corresponding
increase in the number who received milk in part or full payment.
No. of children who received free meals 252
No. of free meals provided 8336
No. of children who received free milk 122
No. who received milk on part payment 185
No. who received milk on full payment 112
Milk is supplied on the recommendation of the School Medical
Officer. It is received and consumed at school, under the supervision
of the class teacher. The use of a card index register at
the Public Health Office avoids the duplication of milk recommendations
by school medical, tuberculosis, and child welfare
fficers, and affords a means of preventing the simultaneous provision
of milk and meals, except on specific recommendation.
CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS.
Parents are invited to attend at the routine medical inspections,
and their presence is welcomed, as it gives the medical
officer the opportunity of giving personal help and advice. Suggestions
can thus be made both for the remedy of existing defects
in the child and also for the prevention of future ill-health in
directions indicated by the result of the medical inspection.
Teachers, Care Committees, and all interested in the welfare of
the children will do good service by encouraging parents to take
the opportunity afforded by medical inspection of acquiring important
knowledge as to their children's state of health.
During 1923 65 per cent. of the children were accompanied
by parents or guardians at routine medical inspections.