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4. Gym shoes have been supplied to schools for Head
Teachers to distribute to necessitous cases. At the same time
those children who can afford to supply their own shoes have
been further encouraged to do so, and an increasing percentage
of children are keeping a pair of shoes permanently at school
for physical training purposes.
As it is unhygienic, it is hoped that the use of a communal
supply of gym shoes is only a temporary expedient and that
ultimately each child will possess a pair of shoes. A noticeable
development during the year has been a growing tendency for
children voluntarily to remove all superfluous clothing for the
physical training lesson. This is especially so where lessons
have become fuller, more active and more interesting to the
children.
The problem of storage of gym kit presents a certain amount
of difficulty, and the possibility of supplying storage lockers for
all schools is being explored.
5. The permanent marking of playgrounds has been
successfully effected at several schools, and in the light of
experience gained as to the expense and usefulness of the
marking, it is hoped that all playgrounds will shortly have the
marking out required.
6. Indoor Accommodation.—Though it is expected that
the playground will be used for physical training whenever
possible, it is essential for a school to have indoor accommodation
available. During weather unsuitable for work out of
doors it is hoped that school halls will be used equally by all
departments in such cases where sharing is necessary. The
supply of gymnastic shoes, and in senior departments the supply
of portable apparatus, should make possible work of considerable
scope, variety and benefit in the school hall.
7. Gymnasia.—Plans for the erection of gymnasia
complete with changing rooms, shower baths, etc., at two senior
schools in the area have been completed, and it is anticpated
that building will commence shortly.
8. Swimming.—During the summer months the girls have
the services of instructresses at each bath, and as a result the
swimming is of a satisfactory standard.