A most interesting annual general meeting tonight of Portlethen Academy Parent Association. There were 17 parents there to hear head teacher Neil Morrison review the year after out-going chair Nicola Harper gave her report. Paul Campbell from Newtonhill takes over as chairman.
It was heartening to hear from Neil about the accomplishments of the academy and the work being undertaken to improve further. He said that excellent teaching is at the heart of everything. “It was a good year. We are going in the right direction, and in a strong place.”
He also referred to the difficulties across the North East in recruiting teachers. However the academy has been able to fill vacancies with one significant challenge – finding a part-time home economics teacher.
During his recap, Mr Morrison highlighted two pupils who have had outstanding results. One boy was one of two pupils in Scotland to obtain a 100% mark in the Modern Studies Higher, while one girl had four A passes in her Advanced Higher exams. She hopes to become a doctor.
Many other issues were discussed at the meeting, ranging from bus behaviour and wearing seat belts, smoking, the forthcoming fair on Friday 20 November, homework, school books, and so on.