Hillside’s acting head teacher Jordan Leslie gave parents a glowing report last night of the return to schooling after lockdown.

The 500 pupils have settled back positively, with lockdown not being an altogether negative experience. He was very proud of how they have come back.

Pupils have settled into the new extension, though the playground still has to be fully reinstated. The nursery garden is complete, with the nursery children being able to access 900 hours from 19 April in the journey towards 1140 hours a year.

Substantive head teacher Lesley-Anne Munro will be returning to her post in mid-June on a permanent part-time basis. Applications are being sought for the remainder of the job-share post.

The parent group also heard about the success of recent fund-raising which in addition to their own efforts attracted donations from Asda, Portlethen Town Association and the Leathan Arms.