MEDICAL INSPECTION OF SCHOOLS.

White Ribbon, Volume 24, Issue 279, 18 September 1918, Page 15

MEDICAL INSPECTION OF SCHOOLS.

ITS OBJKC'I

The primary intention of school was to train the mind. Kxpericnct has taught us to widen oui view and to view and to realise that true education means a harmonious development of mind and body. The child must be given op portunity to realise himself to the best purpose. The progress of a nation may be measured by its 1 increasing devotion to the welfare of its childre n. We know that many children never attain their maximum of well-being and efficiency. Nature has provided a handicap for th cm, or the conditions of their daily life have cram|H’d and hindered the 'r development. Physical defea ts often » urable, but unrecognised or neglected squalid borne surroundings, p.cental poverty, or inefficiency, arc frequently fetters for the growing child. In New Zealand we have unusual advantage's. We have a young country of exceptional fertility and climate. Its original settlers were of the best type—physically strong, mentally alert, and full of initiative. It should be possible for their descendants to maintain this high standard. With regard to schools and other edifices we are still building. Hence wc* have an opportunity to build well. There is no doubt that in New Zealand we find a majority of healthy, happy children of good physique. There is equally no doubt that wc* find a large number held back by physical weakness and lack of opportunity. We know that much of this misery is preventable. Good hygienic environment is imperative. The removal of bodily defects where possible is likewise necessary. it is the aim of medic al inspection of schools to prevent much educational waste by helping each child to realise his physical and mental best. I he essential work of school medical officers may be roughly summarised as fol lows: — (a) The routine physical examination of school children and the* notification to parents of defects’ found which require proper treatment. The medical inspectors instruct teachers, and, where possible, address parents upon matters relating to the 1 welfare of the children. (b) The study of factors influencing the life and health of the school child,

and the suggestion of preventive or remedial measures for those which arc harmful. This includes general hygiene, as the supervision of school buildings and the* provision of healthy surroundings for the school child. It should al so inc lude the devising of means to bring medical and dental aid and special educational method*within the reach of the individual <hi Id. A. G. PATKkSON, Medical Inspei tor of Schools. Wellington.