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10. PHYSICAL TRAINING.
The School Medical Service is not associated with the work of
physical training in the schools and there is no Area Organiser.
From observation of the children at physical exercises and drill at
many of the schools the impression is left that before any real value is
obtained from these by the pupils, most of the teachers should undergo
some training and acquire a knowledge of the movements which they
desire the children to undertake.
11. PROVISION OF MEALS.
Daily dinners are given to school children because of the poverty of
the parents. Children apparently ill-nourished are sometimes referred
by the Head Teachers to the School Medical Officer, and his recommendation
is accepted by the Education Committee.
Less than half a dozen children have in this way received half a pint
of milk daily for varying periods. To this extent the School Medical
Service is associated with that of the provision of meals.
The School Medical Officer has visited the feeding centres at various
times and was quite satisfied as to the amount, wholesomeness and
suitability of the food provided for the children.
Teachers occasionally assist in supervising the children at their meals,
and members of the Ladies' Committee do likewise, but more attention
should be given to the amenities of the table and to the use of simple
decorations in order that the educational value of the meals may be
properly realised.
During the year 8,133/meals were given to our school children.
12. CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS.
Some parents who fail to be present at the medical inspection of
their children object, in the first instance, to treatment of defects of
vision. They cannot realise that such exist, and a similar difficulty
arises in connection with Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids.
If after two visits by the School Nurse treatment is not undertaken,
the parents are invited by letter to see the School Medical Officer at
his office.
Upon his demonstrating to them that the children suffer from
defective vision, or that the tonsils need removal, compliance usually
follows.
All parents are invited to be present at the medical inspection of
their children.
At the examinations of the infants, 27 per cent. of the parents attend,
of the boys and girls 30.8 per cent.