Cheers Twistie
It comes from 30 years of writing school reports, those in particular at Scots College
In my early days report writing was a thrill. Honesty, clarity and subtle humour reigned. But as we drew closer to the 2000's school dark council would crack down on reports. They soon became sterile and told nothing that could be worked upon. For many years I had my reports thrown back at me to "try again"
For example.
Ben works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap.
became....
Ben will succeed with additional care and support. (No shit.....every kid would.)
Hence I soon became a cog in the education industrial complex where honest/free thought was banned. It was worse working for the DET. Reports were almost identical and told parents bugger all if their son/daughter. It was like teaching in North Korea.
Anyway, back in the late 1980's I taught an absolute clown of a child. Bounced off walls, called out, made smart cracks. He was frustrating. Nothing seemed to work. School Reports finally came and I made the following final comment....
Somewhere in NSW there is a village that is missing an idiot.
His father read the report and was pleased he got some honest feedback. He then allowed me use a firmer hand. WORKED miracles. Wouldn't dare use that comment it now.