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9. OPEN AIR EDUCATION.
There is no open air school in this District, but I am
glad to note that practically all classes in the schools
receive part of their instructions in the open air. The
training of a special class for "backward children at one
school consists of open air work in connection with the
school garden with very gratifying results.
12. SCHOOL BATHS.
Only one school, viz.,Hogarth Infants' School is provided
with a bath. At the present time, I do not think it advisable .
to increase the Staff of the School Medical Department in
order to provide for the cleansing of children "but no doubt
when things are more normal the bath will be of great use and
probably a small cleansing station at the Clinic might be
instituted.
13. CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS.
Before every routine medical inspection, notices are
sent to the parents of children to be examined, inviting
their attendance.
This invitation is accepted mainly, as might be expected,
by the parents of the younger children, i.e., the children in
the Infant Schools.
The presence of the parents is useful (l) in reassuring
the children and (2) because it gives the School Medical
Officer an opportunity of advising the parent as to any
defect which may be discovered.
I am of opinion that this method of advising parents
should be continued in dealing with the infant children,
but it might be done away with entirely in the case of older
children. A School Nurse is always present at the inspections
and the inspecting officer gets a better idea of the general
condition of the children when the examination takes place
without notice.
14. CO-OPERATION OF TEACHERS.
I have to thank all the Head Teachers for their assistance
in the school medical work.
For the routine inspections they prepare a list of the
children at the specified ages, and send round the notices
to the parents.
They also, as a rule, assist when necessary at the
inspections and so are acquainted with any defects found
I have also had many children sent to the Clinic direct
by the teachers owing to some defect which they have noticed
or suspected.,
21, (l) During the year the Council have adopted Bye-Laws
regarding the employment of children and young persons in the
area.
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