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15
could attend such a school, with benefit from the point of view of
education and also from the point of view of their physical wellbeing
due to the proper feeding, rest etc., which form such an
important part of an open air school curriculum. There are a
considerable number of border-line cases that it is very difficult at
present to deal with. They cannot attend an ordinary day school
and hope to cope with its curriculum. Their power of concentration
is sadly lacking, and one feels that on the whole, the child is
better running about in the fresh air, and even mud larking under
what might be supposed to be far from ideal conditions, than
sapping what energy it has by attempting to cope with the
school curriculum. The presence of these children in a class also
makes the work of a teacher infinitely harder, as they are apt to
be a disturbing element amongst the normal children.
PHYSICAL TRAINING.
There is no Area Organiser of Physical Training for the
elementary schools in this district. Whatever is done is on the
initiative of the teachers, but the School Medical Officers are not
consulted, save as to fitness or otherwise of a particular child to
engage in drill.
PROVISION OF MEALS.
The systematic provision of meals to school children was not
undertaken during the year under review.
SCHOOL BATHS.
No schoool in this district is provided with baths.
CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS.
As already indicated, cards are sent to the parents inviting
their attendance on the occasion of their children undergoing
Medical Inspection. They are also invited to attend Dental
Inspections, when the Dentist delivers a short lecture on the evils
of dental caries and the need for treatment.
During 1922, one or other parent attended in 1191 instances,
representing a percentage of 61'2 as against 52 2 for 1921.
Where defects are found the children are followed-up as
already described.