Thousands of Highland pupils will be back at school today following the long summer holiday.
They start a day after the teachers, who were yesterday busy preparing lessons during an in-service day.
And for three members of staff, yesterday was their first day in their new top jobs.
Three new head teachers have been appointed by the local authority for the start of this term.
Former head teacher of Thurso High School, Dr Fiona Grant, has been appointed on a temporary basis as head teacher of Wick High School.
At Foyers Primary School, Louise Robertson was appointed to the post of head teacher before the summer holidays. She was acting head teacher at the school.
Lynne Lambert was also appointed as head teacher of Hilton Primary School, Inverness. She was previously the depute head at Dalneigh Primary.
Alasdair Christie, chairman of the Highland Council’s adult and children’s services committee, said: “I would like to welcome all our new pupils starting in nursery, primary and secondary schools, or pupils who have moved into the area. I also welcome our new probationer teachers and congratulate our new head teachers in their new roles.”
For some pupils, going back to school also means living away from home as they stay in school residences.
The council has announced that school residences have been praised in a report published by the Care Inspectorate.
The inspectors visited four of the council’s five residences in June and found that the young people were well cared for and supported by enthusiastic staff.
Hugh Fraser, the council’s director of education, culture and sport, said: “I am delighted at this very positive report that recognises the commitment and skills of our staff.
“It is not always easy for young people to face the prospect of boarding away from home, but parents and pupils can be confident that our school residences offer the highest standards of care.”