PHYSICAL INSTRUCTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 June 1919, Page 5

PHYSICAL INSTRUCTION.

MISS BLACKIE'S REPORT. Miss Blackie, instructress in physical culture, reported to Wednesday's meeting I of the Education Bonrr 1 having visited all I the large, and many of the smaller schools of the district, a number of the latter not having previously been visited by a physical instructor. "I was further assisted in including new schools by arranging to come to this district for the | summer months and this tended also to greater efficiency throughout. I found the teachers and pupils interested and anxious to learn, and the work here compares most favorably with that seen in other districts, Hawke's Bay and Wanganui being also in my own hands. The teachers, however, although doing good work are feeling and showing the need of a refresher class in this subject. Five years ago, when the system was first introduced to the majority, it was a new subject, and since then many young teachers have joined the service and now with their few years' of experience it is probable that all would appreciate better and learn more than at the, previous class. Many teachers have expressed their desire for a class of the kind and their intention to attend if one were formed, I have reason to be sure that the attendance would justify such a class being formed and I should be pleased if I were selected to undertake it."

In a report on the subject by the senior inspector, Mr Morton said: With reference to the suggestion that a refresher course be held, it is difficult this year to recommend a full course. It would, however, serve the purpose in some degree if a physical instructor could, say in October, spend a month in taking at various centres, for two days at each, classes at which the teachers of the neighboring schools could attend. The closing of the schools for such a time would not seriously affect the general work, and the benefit to the physical training would be considerable. The j inspector added: I am sure the teachers [ will like me to state that their attitude only reciprocates the courtesy and thoroughness that marked the manner with which Miss Blackie carried out her duties. The effect on the physical training of the children's very gratifying. The board approved the holding of a refresher course as suggested, and placed on record its appreciation of the thorough and courteous manner in which Misg Blackie had carried out her duties during ' her to the -district.