Mid-term Report Card

Dear Mrs D'Arcy

I am happy to be writing this mid-term report for young Anthony.

When Anthony (some here call him Tony) arrived here just four months ago now, he was faced with the challenge of a new environment, the need to make new friends, and to complete a new and difficult curriculum.

When he first started, he was filled with enthusiasm and good intentions, and presented as a high-spirited lad with honourable aspirations. He worked hard initially, and quickly settled into a routine of work, study and exercise. He also fitted in well, and made many friends who continue to support him well.

If I have one criticism of his approach at this stage, it would be that perhaps he took advice from many different sources when he first started, perhaps promised a bit too much to himself and those around him, based upon somewhat dubious and non-scientific sources? He needs to watch this as he continues on.

After his initial enthusiasm, I have to say that he slowed down somewhat in the middle stages. He will tell you that it had to do with a lingering cold, a dripping nose and a sore chest and shoulder, but in my opinion it is symptomatic of a possible longer term problem with his approach to life generally: he may not be a finisher. You will need to watch this in him, and reinforce in him the need to complete what he sets out to achieve!

I am pleased to tell you, however, that he has passed his mid-term examination with flying colours - sometimes sheer talent and ability can make up for a lack of application (this may seem unfair to some, but it is the way of the world). This morning, as I was marking his paper, I was amazed at the progress he has made. There is no sign of the peripheral difficulties he had when he came, and the central problem that he demonstrated has dissipated to such a degree that I am pleased to advise that it is on the run. When I discussed his progress with his football coach, he suggested that it was "a little like leading 50 nil at half time: you know you've got them beaten, but you want another 50 points in the second half to be sure!" I agree with this assessment. I am also confident that the opposition is in a sorry state after the first half whacking they received, and are unlikely to present much resistance in the foreseeable future!

During the next period, I expect Anthony to put in the same amount of work as he has in the last three months. He will need to spend another nine weeks at hard study, and while at times this may seem unnecessary, I am sure that if he sticks to it in good spirit he will continue to reap the results he wants. I know that his success in the first part of the term will buoy him mightily as he progresses.

He mentioned to me that he had made plans to move to another cricket team later in the year, but that his need to attend this school meant that he had to continue to play here. I would strongly advise that he re-activate those plans: there is no reason for him to stay and suffer in our cold when the sub-tropics beckon so hard. Can I suggest that January would be a good time for him to make the move? I can see him in maroon.

In the meantime, we wish him luck for the future, especially the next few months. I have no doubt that the rigours of this place will continue to test him, but the end is in sight, and a fine end it is too!!

Yours sincerely

O. N. Cologist
(Head of School)