Lunch time meeting - 12.55pm - Irene Johnson - 1st chance programme

On Thursday 16th March 2023 President Brian Johnson took the meeting as he welcomed 17 Rotarians and 2 guests Irene Johnson and Alison Wright to this our lunch time meeting held at the Gilvenbank Hotel, Glenrothes.

President Brian spoke about supporting community groups with Easter Eggs which is being left to Ewen MacDonald to progress., He mentioned that on Monday 20^th March at 6.30pm he will be hosting a ZOOM meeting speaking about Foundation.

Jim Boyd mentioned the Defibrillator which studio8 had been discussing with Ewen Macdonald.

Our Race night will be held at Gilvenbank Hotel on Friday 7th April - 6.30 for 7pm in support of Fife Gingerbread and Autism Rocks. Tickets priced at £15. Tickets and sponsors are selling well, if you are interested in attending to support two great charities, please contact Home Sweet Home Estate agents in Markinch or through our Facebook page,

Chantal Mrimi mentioned that due to other commitments she will not be progressing the Lomond Hills project now. She also mentioned that she had been speaking with Pam Kirkham on getting a quotation from John Fergus about the sensory garden project.

Wilna Roger mentioned that 15 entries for the Young Artist competition had been received from Southwood Primary School and because of the interest shown the entry date would be extended by a week. She asked if anybody was interested in taking this competition on next year. She also spoke about the awards evening in particular the cost and choice of meal on the night which will take place at the end of May.

Our speakers today were Irene Johnson and Alison Wright both ladies are retired Primary school head teachers who gave us an insight into 1st Chance Programmes. They spoke to us about the vision, the journey, the Support, the Joy and what the future holds. The University of St Andrews and Fife College work in partnership with The Robertson Trust, Fife Education and Children’s Service Directorate of Fife Council and the Scottish Funding Council (through the Reach programme) to deliver First Chances Fife. This innovative programme aims to raise the aspirations and attainment of identified pupils from P7 to S6 throughout their school journey, with continued support into Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE). There are two programmes: First Chances Foundation and First Chances Senior Phase.

Both programmes are delivered across 13 secondary schools and five clusters (primary schools and secondary schools) in Fife. Both programmes currently support over 800 pupils facing barriers from P7 to S6. Their talk covered Aims and Outcomes, increasing access for pupils to positive destinations in FE or HE, Breaking down barriers to learning: Closing the attainment gap: Measurable Outcomes: Ensure pupils with barriers to learning access the programme: Contributing to increasing academic attainment: Raised aspirations: Increased access and positive destinations to FE and HE:

Increased self-confidence with their studies and academic ability: Developed and improved skills (drive, self-motivation, time keeping, etc.): Continued support for learners throughout their educational journey.

The Rotary vote of thanks was given by Wilna Roger.

David Cooper mentioned that Auchmuty High School were supporting (FORP) Friends of Riverside Park with their art work for their Easter Hunt.

Next week Thursday 23rd March 2023 arrival by 12.45pm commencing at 1pm with a speaker Liza Quinn Founder of Autism Rocks Fife 

If you were interested in supporting the community and international projects get in touch by Private message on The Rotary Club of Glenrothes Facebook page. You will be made most welcome.