TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

June 16, 1999

I have known Bala Swaminathan for five years.  During this period, he has held the post of Upper Level Physics Teacher at the school, which has now received full academic accreditation from Kindergarten to Grade 12 from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Bala has had a major responsibility in the Science Department for the teaching of IB Physics and the IGCSE Physics to our High School students.

I am very pleased to say that he has done an excellent job and produced very good external examination results.  Bala has indeed earned both the respect and affection of his students and his colleagues during his five years at our school.

He is a committed teacher who delves deeply into the interests of each student and works closely with the parents and the home.  This special care to know each student individually and walking that extra mile, makes him an exemplary teacher.

Working in a school as ours, with so many cultural variances, and with children from over 70 nationalities, Bala has proved himself to be sensitive and understanding, and has been supportive in every way.

He has worked for a short duration as a GCSE Coordinator in the school and has been involved with both the Academic and Pastoral duties of a Coordinator.

Bala has also taken an active part in the 'Pastoral Working Group', set up on the recommendations of the "Accreditation for Growth Team" from the Middle States Association.

Although English is not Bala's first language, he speaks and writes fluently.  In the course he teaches at our school, English is the language of instruction and there has never been a student or parental complaint about his linguistic ability.

I wish him all the very best for his future.