10,000 breakfasts at Perth Academy
Breakfast club marks milestone in tasty service
Perth Academy’s breakfast club has served up its 10,000th meal.
On Friday, March 16, the club welcomed staff and teachers as well as Deputy First Minister John Swinney to mark the milestone.
When the club was set up three and a half years ago, it was the only free breakfast club at a secondary school in Scotland.
Since then, it has proved popular with the children and been a morning staple at the Fair City school.
Joyce Jamieson, the club’s coordinator, said: “We have no funding, all the equipment and everything else came from staff, and it has gradually grown from there. We get some input from an equity fund, but the rest is all from fundraising from coffee mornings and Christmas card sales.
“It is very well attended, we have 55 different kids who come but there is a core of about 20 who come in most days. It’s hugely important, because
Deputy head girl Rachael Bell (S6), Eilidh Mackenzie (S6) and deputy head boy Jamie Kerr (S6) enjoy a cuppa at the breakfast club come in whose parents have to Teejay Gerrard (S3), who had the go to work, and some who have no 10,000th breakfast, said: “I don’t have breakfast at all at home. a choice but to come here because my
“Some kids come off the school buses dad has to be at work for 7.30am. It is a too and they get a sandwich. No child is safe place for me.” turned away, everyone gets some food. At the milestone breakfast, John They love it, there’s toast with a choice Swinney - who represents Perthshire of filling, cereal, fruit and yogurt.” North at the Scottish Parliament kids Matthews (S3), John Swinney, Rector Johnny Lothian and Teejay Gerrard (S3) presented certificates and mugs to Teejay and Macaulay Matthews (S3) who was the club’s 10,000th attendee.
The education secretary said: “The breakfast club initiative is a huge success at Perth Academy and provides a welcoming place for pupils who require that opportunity for nutrition first thing in the morning. It is a great foundation for learning and I was delighted to be able to take part in the celebrations.”
Rector Johnny Lothian said: “What we try to do here is ensure our community has a place to come early in the morning.
“We appreciate the demands on families and young people at this time financially.
“We know how important it is to provide a breakfast to start the day. This club is a safe and warm place for the whole school community.
“It is doing really well, but we rely on funding and donations for support.”
Anyone who wishes to donate to Perth Academy’s breakfast club can call the school on 01738 458000.