A new era has begun at South Lodge Primary School in Invergordon. But recent arrival, head teacher David Hayes-MacLeod, is no stranger to the town or the school.
Born and brought up in Invergordon, Mr Hayes-MacLeod was a pupil at South Lodge himself.
For the past seven years, he has been living in the UK’s capital, where he worked in a West London primary school, rising to the post of acting head teacher at the end of last year.
It was during December that he stumbled upon, by accident, the head teacher position, through social media and declared that he knew it was fate.
Mr Hayes-MacLeod said: “I noticed on Facebook that an advert had been posted looking for two teachers at a school in Strathconon.
“I was being nosy to see where exactly that school was and the link took me to the site where teaching jobs were advertised. I was stunned to see at the top of the page the advert for Head Teacher at South Lodge.
“I’m a great believer in fate and decided to apply there and then.”
After a click on Facebook, a successful application and two rounds of interviews in January, Mr Hayes-MacLeod was offered the position which he accepted immediately.
He added: “I couldn’t believe that I was coming home to be the head teacher of the school where I was a pupil.
“I remember my days at South Lodge with such fond memories and could not wait to come back.”
The school, which had been clustered with Park Primary in the town, had recently reverted to having a head teacher for each school again and Mr Hayes-MacLeod is very much looking forward to the journey ahead.
He added: “I will work to continue the good work of my predecessors in taking forward the school’s excellent reputation, working closely with the other schools in the area, as I am a great believer in collaboration and school improvement through networks.”
He added: “I would like to thank the staff, parents and pupils at South Lodge for being so welcoming to me. It really is like coming home to a family. I look forward to a long and happy future together.”
Local Invergordon community councillor, Martin Rattray said: “David is a very committed individual who has vast experience in teaching.
“His enthusiasm is obvious to see and I am pleased to see that the staff, pupils and parents have been so welcoming since his arrival.
“He is a very strong character who has a lot to offer and South Lodge Primary will benefit from his experience and outgoing personality.
“He is very proud of his Invergordon roots, having been educated here and it is obvious he wants to teach here and give something back. I wish him well in the future and look forward to South Lodge going from strength to strength.”
If they’re really the best days of your life, David Hayes-MacLeod is clearly in his element.
