OPEN AIR SCHOOLS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 829, 6 October 1916, Page 9

OPEN AIR SCHOOLS.

CIRCULAR TO EDUCATION BOARD

The question of open air schools came before the Education Board yesterday, being brought up by a circular from the department on the matter, and also on the report of the Buildings Committee, which had received an application from the Addington School Committee for the erection of two open air shelters. In regard to the latter application the committee recommended that the board decline to build the shelters, as the accommodation at the school is adequate, but to make a grant of £2O providing the committee found the balance of the sum required. The circular from the department stated that encouraged by the good results that had followed the establishment of open air schools in England, Canada, and the United States the department had taken the initial steps towards the introduction

of this form of school building in I connection with a number of Native j schools, in the form of open verani dahs. At the South Wellington j School an open air class room had ' been erected some years ago, and the ; records showed a distinct advantage resulting to the children, not only | with regard to height, weight, and general health, but with regard to i mental alertness and energy. Schol- ' ars as well as teachers prefer the open air. Applications were being received and considered from several districts for the erection of similar open air class rooms, and the department desired to find the best mode of adopting the open air type I of building to New Zealand condi- : lions. Application for information i had been made to educational auth- ■ orities in England, Canada, the Unitjed States and elsewhere for plans land details of construction and equipment, and the methods of work-

; ing this type of school. Upon reI ceipt of further information the de-

j partment hoped to be able to pro

vide for open air schools wherever the climatic conditions were favourable. The department's medical inspectors frequently urged the establishment of open air classes, and it was the intention of the Education Department to do all that is possible in this direction. Alternative modes of carrying out the idea were submitted by the department, and it was suggested that the various Education Boards should give the matter consideration. It was decided that the board should reply to the department stating that it is in sympathy with the suggestions made in the department's letter, and will be pleased to adopt them when practicable.