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168
ST. CHRISTOPHER'S (M.D.) SPECIAL SCHOOL.
I am indebted to Mr. Ramsden, the head master, for the
following observations: —
1947 has been a year of quiet progress and endeavour at St.
Christopher's.
On December 31st, 1947, there were 173 children on roll—
108 boys and 65 girls. 1 have to record a very gratifying level
of attendance—85 per cent. over the year. This, despite the long
journeys and very bad weather of the early months of the year.
We welcome two newcomers to our staff, Mr. Huxley, T.C.A.,
from Paddington Technical, and Miss Cooney, who has been
loaned to us from the Medical Department.
The teaching of craft is very popular, whether it be Cardboard
Modelling, Raffia, Needlework, Rug Making, Plastics or
Woodwork, and it would surprise many to see what excellent
work our children produce.
An Open Day for parents and friends was held in July, and
about 100 saw the children give a display of folk-dancing, physical
training and singing. Tables containing the work of the school
were on display, and the table displaying the results of the boys'
and girls' cookery lessons—biscuits, cake, jar of preserves and
pickles—was especially a centre of interest and admiration.
Gardening still proves very popular and this summer we
disposed of over 300 lbs. of tomatoes.
Physical training branched out in swimming for the first
time, and a class of boys was sent to the Croydon Central Baths
under the charge of Mr. Huxley, and we are pleased to record
16 boys have gained Swimming Certificates of Proficiency in
20, 50 and 100 yards.
Our Christmas entertainment of carols, illustrated by
tableaux, was again witnessed by a large audience of parents and
friends.
On the last day, from a huge Christmas Tree, each child
was given a present from the Education Committee, and the
infants were each given a pair of woollen gloves knitted by the
kitchen staff and their friends.
We thank them all for their kind thoughts.