End of term report on Jack Miov, Boyes House.
When he first came here, Jack's teachers and prefects found him quite a handful, but he has learnt to fit in better as he matured. He has always been ready to stand up for himself and his friends, as the other boys, who have changed with him, have noticed. His English skills helped him finish first in a mass debate including every other boy of his age, and many older boys have expressed rising interest in his other activities.
It had been good to see Jack with his friends at the swimming pool, and I am pleased to report that (among other things) his confidence in the water has grown markedly. He is now very keen to join in our regular games of underwater tag, and we all enjoy seeing his young body (fit, though skinny) dipping in and out of the water with his many close friends, especially our Irish visitor, Marc O'Polo. One suggestion, though; please buy him a fresh swimming suit. Jack's current shorts are clearly too big for him, as they have come off him several times while diving or playing with his friends in the water. To Jack's credit he has not been embarrassed by this but several of his teachers have mentioned it, and are very keen to help him select swimwear that will fit him more closely.
One of the school's strengths is our togetherness, and students and teachers greatly enjoy coming together in the evenings, in small groups and large, in various activities. In our recent 'mock elections', Jack's election was very popular, and crowds of pupils and staff were greatly pleased to see him stand in public. Jack has also been assisting in tutoring the children of staff in the swimming pool, and he has been most effective in helping beginners develop their strokes. My own son William has gained in confidence, thanks to Jack, and - despite swallowing the occasional mouthful underwater - really enjoys his sessions in the pool. Thank you, Jack, for everything you've done for my little Willie!
Jack's social prowess has made him welcome in every part of the school, and his youthful enthusiasm - and persistence - mark him out as a boy to watch. Jack's self- control is legendary; for example, although he came last in the tug of war at sports day, he shook hands with every boy who had tugged with him. A pleasant gesture.
Individual subject reports -
Chess club - Jack develops positions well, often surprising boys he plays with when he whips out his bishop and bashes it down the outside (or, occasionally, right up the middle). His Queen control is masterly, as his teacher reports with pleasure. A suggestion for the holidays - research more pawn activity, both varied and in depth. We can all learn from each other in this game!
Rowing club - although Jack started the term as a beginner with oars, he has rapidly learnt to make expert use of his equipment, pulling the hardest in his year group. We have tried him on various positions, and although he has always been very interested in Cox we feel that he is more suited to Stroke, as he sets a rate that others might not even attempt. I look forward to seeing him Stroke the house team, as they will be starting at the bottom and will have to come from behind to succeed. I wish him strength to his arm, and timing, to help the team come together when it matters.
Insect observation society - Jack has slipped easily into the tight circle of bug- watchers, and many of the school's finest buggers have welcomed him into their midst. To his credit, Jack has taken everything they can give him in return, without moaning; several boys have commented that they'd love to hear more from him, though, as a bit of noise keeps everyone's pecker up.
Bird feeding group - Jack's reliable enthusiasm let him down here, as he's often been seen choking his chicken, producing massive amounts of seed and slamming it out without water, or any other lubrication. Suggestion - take things more slowly, and handle both hens and cocks gently, until they are ready for more. They'll let you know when to give them all you've got! Also, when spraying his seed everywhere, Jack should concentrate on a relaxed wrist action, not the arm pumping he currently does. It's painful to watch...
Blow-football club - Always ready to share a blow with a friend, Jack found the school captain, Kiriwat Siriwatanaga, quite a mouthful, but coped manfully. Jack can be a sucker for a surprise attack, as many of us have discovered, but he always gives as good as he gets, to everyone's pleasure. Even after losing 6-9 against his Housemaster, Mr Snowball, Jack finished strongly , swallowing his pride in an honourable defeat. It's good to see a boy with such spunk in action.
First Aid Society - Jack has learnt a lot about bones this term, and anatomy. He definitely knows his way around the human body, and delivers a very pleasing massage, to my personal knowledge. It was very clear that he enjoyed it, too, especially when we compared rubbing techniques and lubricants. He only demonstrated on me once, but he can come again anytime!
Woodwork club - Jack handles all the tools here with confidence and skill, and has satisfied his teachers thought the term. This term Jack built on the time he so kindly spends in the Junior changing rooms, supervising their showers and making sure they are clean all over, from top to bottom. Jack chose to fit some hooks for the younger boys' clothing, at a suitable height for little ones. Details matter, and it was good that Jack sanded off the rough edges when fitting the hooks; I am very pleased that Jack's smooth low hangers are there to be seen, felt and admired by all, although some of us have to bend over to appreciate his skills.
Soccer team - Jack has made the position of inside back his own, supporting his friends but always ready to move in and shoot when the opportunity occurs. He scores regularly in all age groups, never letting size or experience put him off. Jack is a versatile member of the School team, quickly flipping from one position to another, and usually making a memorable impression with visitors.
Around the House, Jack is always ready to take the younger boys in hand, often teaching them much more than they expect. He is also a favourite with the senior boys, often visiting them late at night for one-to-one coaching. I'm sure he's learning a lot, there, too.
Jack has always been keen on physical activities, and this has allowed him to enlarge the circle of his friends, among which many of his teachers stand proudly. As he has grown, many of us have expressed great pleasure in receiving him into our inner circle, and we look forward to him doing the same for us, next term. "It is more blessed to give, than to receive" but every gift needs a recipient and I believe that, with development, Jack had it in him to take everything this school has to give him. These holidays, I expect Jack to plug along, filling himself with purpose, stretch himself to the limit and prepare for the hard times ahead.
Signed, Ian O'Cent, M.A., St. Urbate's School.