Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2015 12:51:58 +0000 (UTC)
From: Andrew Keir <hammyhamster83@yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: Jack Report

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.