You may have guessed by now that the Summer (HAH!) term went fairly well as I didn't come back here & whinge! I am also guilty of predominantly bad news instead of good. That'll be where the DS gets it from, then.
there were a couple of bumps along the way - got the second late night "get me out of here" call which turned out to be due to tiredness/a cold/exam nerves & resulted in him being taken to the Sanitorium (is that the right word). He insisted that he needed some peace & quiet and it was rather a case of be careful what you wish for as he found himself practically alone in a large creaky building... it was an extremely difficult night for both of us but was mitigated by the extraordinary kindness & understanding of both the nurse on duty and members of the House team. Once again, I found I was able to have faith in them to do the right thing and their patience with both of us was/is outstanding.
My son hasn't found it an easy year in many ways but he did persevere and he has gained an enormous amount from being at the school. He has learnt a great deal both academically and socially. It's not perfect but very little is and it is definitely better than the alternatives. I think there are few children who dive happily into life at secondary school - I think it's always a bit of a shock to the system and some children never find happiness. If I was totally honest I would say that he isn't happy all the time but I really don't think that would change if he was in a local school.
I think I have talked before about the balance scale test - does the good outweigh the bad overall or vice-versa? We,
together, decided that the former was definitely true and so there was really no question - he went back happily and although he always claims that he'd rather stay at home, I sometimes feel that he says that for my benefit because he immediately jumps into the Boarding House without a backward glance & can hardly be bothered to speak to me once he is in there! Once again, the only communication I have had is to tell me what he needs and what we have forgotten (Trumpet - groan - extra trip down yesterday... tho nice to see him & visit the Tuck Shop!)
The strangest thing of all is to look at him and realise he is now a 3rd Former - what large, knowledgeable, confident creatures they appeared to be when we first arrived! Presumably, that's what he looks like to the new second-formers and his parents - yet to me he still looks like a small boy...
So there we are - a long post but a short version of the Summer term
