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57
fact, often give themselves extra work that the blind and myopic
infants and juniors may, in spite of their handicap, benefit to the
fullest extent by receiving extra opportunities of close examination
of illustrations, and in the case of the blind children, assistance in
the intelligent handling of specimens provided by the teachers.
"Since many of the children are suffering from progressive and
high Myopia, there is always the danger of the retina becoming
detached, and total blindness ensuing, if violent movements such
as jerking, lifting, bending, wrestling or falling are indulged in.
The avoidance of dislocation of the retina with the necessary
amount of physical training is secured by a special adaption of the
Board of Education Drill Syllabus, by which only the more rhythmic
exercises are performed.
"To correct any tendency to spinal curvature, rowing machine
exercise is undertaken daily by all the children, while much running
and walking practice has been achieved by using the pathway to
the school as a running track during daily periods when other
people had no need to walk on it.
"Country dances are taught, and suitable outdoor and indoor
games enjoyed.
"At Christmas the children performed the operetta called " The
Magic Key," and gave an exhibition of all the forms of work
carried on at the Centre, This was appreciated by their parents
and the general public, and much of the handwork was purchased
by them for Christmas presents.
"With regard to canteen arrangements, many of the children
come from the outlying districts, and others are conveyed to school
from the more distant parts of Walthamstow by tramcar and
ambulance, and for these the Walthamstow Education Authority
very generously provides a two-course hot meal at mid-day, at a
nominal cost.
"When available, garden produce, grown by the children in
the school garden, contributes to the enjoyment of the meal.
"About 70 per cent, of the children attending this school availed
themselves of the opportunity of purchasing milk daily, through
the scheme set up in co-operation with the Milk Marketing Board.
"During the year 13 partially blind and 2 blind children left
this Centre.