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58
"An excellent hot dinner—including meat, 3 vegetables and a
sweet (or fresh fruit)—was provided daily at 3d. per head. The
kitchen, needless to say, is the 'pivot' in the eyes of the children
on which the whole School revolves. The efficacy of this meal is
seen at the times of epidemics, when the School suffers less in
proportion than the ordinary schools from the prevailing complaint.
"Every child who needed one was given a hot bath at least once
a week, and many a garment was made serviceable and comfortable
by the Nurse while the bath was being given.
"The Attendants were responsible for the conduct at the dinner
tables and the training in table manners, as well as for the safe
journey home by special car.
"In May, 1931, a party of 33 boys and girls went on a School
journey to Ryde, and had a most enjoyable time in spite of the
coldness of the weather. Every beauty spot in the Island was
visited, and hundreds of miles were covered by train, charabanc,
and foot during the fortnight's stay. The Education Committee
were most liberal in this, as in all that concerns the wellbeing of
the special children, and many a child will, in later life, be able
to look back on at least 5 such health-giving, educating holidays.
"The Medical Staff at Lloyd Park, as well as that of the Attendance
Department, give the scholars sympathetic consideration, and are
always ready to assist the School staff in any possible direction,
both in School and out, and even extend their help to scholars who
have left and fallen on bad days.
"At midsummer, a Parents' Social was held, under the
chairmanship of Alderman Le Mare. After-care Visitors were able
to meet parents who will eventually be visited by them. A short
musical programme was enjoyed, to say nothing of the refreshments
prepared by the Cookery Class; and classrooms and the craftwork
were open for inspection. It is proposed to hold such Socials about
twice a year, so that the fathers, as well as the mothers, can get
an opportunity of consulting the staff and seeing for themselves
the opportunities the Education Committee provide, free of all
charge, for those children who are not quite so gifted as others in
the normal school, but who can, by training and individual care,
take their place as citizens in this Borough.
"Scholars who leave are paid friendly visits and, where requested,
advice is given by the members of the After-Care Committee, who
do their utmost to help.