Mini Vinnies
At Sacred Heart, everyone is committed to putting their faith into action and be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. Every child and staff member plays an important part in this role, however, it is our Mini Vinnies group who lead the way for us.
The Mini Vinnies are the youngest members of the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP), an international Christian voluntary organisation dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by providing practical assistance to people in need.
The Mini Vinnies get together in primary schools and parishes across England and Wales to live out their mission of see, think, do, supporting their school community and beyond alongside the SVP.
Our work so far this academic year…
- Sent Christmas cards to every member of staff, local schools, and the houses and businesses who are our neighbours.
- Highlighted acts of kindness that have been shown in classes each week with the help of 'Vinnie Bear'.
- Packed food parcels for those in need of extra support.
- Raised £100 at the Christmas fair which paid for 30 pairs of pyjamas. These went to children who were in emergency accommodation this winter.
- Shared the work that the Mini Vinnies do at one of the school coffee mornings.
- Celebrated the work that our brilliant Teaching Assistants do at school.
- Given pupils the opportunity to share their gratitude to members of staff.
- Met with Father John to discuss some of the areas where he thinks we could be the hands of Jesus.
- Provided Valentine’s day cards to our adults, reminding them of God’s love.
- Ensured that energy is being used wisely around school.
- Shared some words from St. David about ‘doing the little things’ to make a difference.
- For St. Patrick’s Day, our Irish members of staff were gifted rainbow-coloured sweets with an Irish prayer attached and a shamrock wreath for their door.
- During Lent, Mini Vinnies have provided each class with a set of challenges that they are encouraged to carry out in order to be the best versions of themselves. They can add to these tasks, as well as repeat them multiple times.
There are many more ideas that are in the planning process for this year at Sacred Heart! We love to see the work of God that all of children carry out from the guidance of our Mini Vinnies. They are a group we are incredibly proud of.
