North West Sutherland Schools Group, which comprises Kinlochbervie High School and Durness, Kinlochbervie and Scourie primary schools, has said a fond farewell to three of its teachers.

Gallery1

Heidi Majanen, who teaches social subjects and health and food technology, is leaving. And also on the move is Cle Jarvis, principal additional support needs teacher as well as probationer Alex Alzolar, a modern languages teacher, who is returning to his native Spain.

All three were given gifts to remember the schools and the area by, with Ms Majanen and Ms Jarvis receiving pictures and Mr Alzolar a bottle of Balblair and football top.

Head teacher Graeme Smart said: “We wish them all well and are so thankful for their hard work and dedication to our schools during their time here.”

Schools in the group have now officially broken up for summer after three months spent learning in lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a letter to parents and carers posted on the group’s Facebok page, Mr Smart writes that it was the “strangest term I or any of us have experienced in our teaching careers”.

He said prize-giving should have been held on July 2 but it, along with the annual sports day, had had to be postponed until it was safe to return to school.

“Prize-giving will be a much scaled down affair.... sadly we will not be able to invite parents or members of the community,” said Mr Smart. “But it is important that the achievements of this year are recognised and that certificates and pupils are awarded to some very deserving pupils.”

He added: “I would like to thank all staff for their efforts this year. It has not been an easy year for any of us but the work and effort of all our teachers and non-teaching staff to support our pupils has been incredible and the last few months have made me very proud of our schools and all who work in them.”

Click here for more news

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.