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55
The girls' weaving class, which has met every Friday afternoon,
under the supervision of a voluntary helper, has worked
well during the year, with 7 in average attendance. Several orders
for rugs have been carried out successfully, and a number of rugs
now in stock are to be sold shortly.
In connection with both these classes for older children the
Committee owes a great deal to the ladies who have given much
time and trouble to conducting and supervising the classes.
Early in 1924 the Council adopted a report providing for the
establishment of a large Occupation Centre in rooms on the ground
floor of Grangewood House, the first floor of which is occupied by
the special school for mentally defective children. Accommodation
is to be provided for 24 younger children, and for 8 boys and 8
girls over the age of 16 years. One whole-time supervisor and two
whole-time assistants will be responsible for the conduct of the
classes. It is proposed that the 24 younger children attend on the
morning and afternoon sessions of five days per week, obtaining a
mid-day meal on the premises in association with the children of
the special school; and that the 16 older boys and girls attend for
five afternoon sessions in the week. The existing three classes will
i.e transferrred to the new Occupation Centre, and the work at
present carried on in them continued and expanded. It is hoped
to open the Centre early in May of the present year, and there is no
doubt that it will serve a very useful purpose, both in the elementary
instruction of the younger low-grade children in directions which
will greatly relieve the burden which they impose on their homes,
and in the continued supervision of the elder children who have left
the protection of the special school. The association of the Occupation
Centre within the same building with the Special School is also
likely to be of mutual benefit.