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It is a pity that there has not been a greater extension of self-government among pupils. A lead has been given by progressive schools in organizing group activities under leaders acting in turns, in the functioning of school councils, and in encouraging more responsible participation in school affairs. Judicious training in leadership and " folio wership " aids children to understand, in a simple way, the meaning of the democratic way of living. Practical interest in the care and preservation of school property can be used to strengthen children's respect for public and private property. While, in fairness, it must be said that most of the vandalism occurring is considered not to be the work of school-children, a forthright effort to crush its spirit is a worthwhile objective in the character-training of the school. Some Features of School Work (1) Infant Departments. —-Modern infant methods require teachers to understand each child's stage of development and provide purposefully planned and well-organized experiences at appropriate times. Definite progress has been made during recent years, and the expert guidance of the advisers to infant departments has been very helpful. Our best infant departments are hives of industry and activity. Music and rhythm brighten the school life. Many departments have definite rest periods when the children relax, and some of the youngest children sleep. In some schools there has been a break away from the traditional arrangement of class-room furniture to provide more space for pupil activity. Much material and equipment are needed for the new methods. In addition to what has been provided, many teachers have shown enterprise in preparing graded apparatus. It is pleasing to note that in some schools, Committees and parent-teacher associations have assisted these teachers. In two districts, investigations into the best layout of an infant room, and subsidiary accommodation especially for storage, are being carried out by committees composed of experienced infantmistresses, infant-advisers, Inspectors, and Education Boards' architects. It is hoped to incorporate some of the best ideas in plans for model infant blocks. (2) Health and Temperance.—The new syllabus introduced this year provides a progressive health scheme with a simple scientific approach and due emphasis on the inculcation of health habits. Improvement in the teaching of the subject is already evident. Good use has been made of film strips and Health Department posters, and nurses of the School Medical and Dental Services and District Nurses have extended willing co-operation. Much useful work is being carried out in the teaching of first aid, the active assistance of the St. John Ambulance Association being much appreciated. The Junior Red Cross movement continues to flourish in the schools, and it deservedly receives the encouragement of local education authorities. In addition to lessons on diet, some schools have developed organizations whereby pupils are able to purchase a well-balanced lunch at a reasonable price. Highly beneficial results have been obtained, and it is hoped that similar schemes will be more widely adopted, especially in consolidated schools, where pupils are obliged to spend a long time away from their homes. The teaching of temperance in its fullest sense, including the harmful effect of overindulgence in alcohol, has a definite place in the health programme. While in many schools specific lessons on the deleterious effects of alcohol have been regularly given, in others more could be accomplished in this direction. (3) Physical Education. —This year has been the busiest year for physical education in the history of the Dominion. The return from the Forces of large numbers of men specialists has meant that a strong permanent field staff has been built up, and the itinerant field staff now numbers about 80. About half of these are employed by the Education Boards, the other half being on the staff of the Department. A record number of 42 specialist students was trained, one-third being returned servicemen. In addition,

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