Mini Vinnies
The staff lead is Mrs Dolan
'Mini Vinnies' are children aged between 7 to 11 (or younger) who, with the permission of their parents and the support of their Schools, are encouraged to embark on their first steps as possible 'Vincentians for life'.
As Mini Vinnies, the youngsters have their own 'treasured' Prayer, Pledge and Badge, a dedicated website and a range of bright and colourful documents which guide them in their formative steps - helping and enabling them to become in every sense, young Vincentians - or 'Mini Vinnies'.
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for our gifts and talents.
Lord, Show us who needs our help.
Lord, Use our hands to help those who are hungry.
Lord, Open our hearts to love and comfort those who are sad and lonely.
Lord, Let us share our time, gifts and talents with those in need,
Lord, Help us care for the sick.
Lord, May we all help and support each other as Mini Vinnies to build a better world.
Amen
Pledge
As a member of Mini Vinnies, I promise to make a difference in my world by;
Caring for, respecting and loving myself.
Strengthening my friendship with Jesus by talking to him each day and talking to others about him.
Caring for others in my school and community by being a friend to those who are alone, in need or in trouble.
Making my family happy by my help, respect and showing kindness and consideration.
Caring for and enjoying God's world.
Treating others the way I would like them to treat me.
Fax: 1132 930 655 Email: sheila.hebbron@staugustinesleeds.org.uk
To learn more about the Mini Vinnies and what they do, visit www.minivinnies.org.uk
Kindness messages for Jubilee Year
Our Mini Vinnies responded to the call for hope during our Jubilee Year by writing heartfelt messages of kindness to residents in our local nursing home. Many other children volunteered to join this mission. The children personally delivered these lovely letters, which brought great joy to the residents!
Meeting our local MP
We were excited to meet Conor Rand, our recently elected MP. They prepared thoughtful interview questions and discussed the importance of "opening the door to serve one another." Mr. Rand shared stories about his visits to Westminster and the Houses of Parliament, as well as his plans to visit all local schools. The children asked him about his initiatives to support people in our community, and he spoke in depth about addressing food poverty.
Big Lent Walk
On the last Wednesday of the Spring term, our Key Stage One and Two children walked to church to take part in the Big Lenten Walk. Meanwhile, our Reception and Nursery children completed laps around the school field to participate. At church, the children prayed for those less fortunate and for the victims and first responders of the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Part of the funds raised were donated to CAFOD’s appeal for the earthquake victims.
Lenten stalls
There is always great excitement during Lent as children set up stalls to raise money for charity, and classmates enjoy participating in fun games. The stalls featured crafts, baked treats, lucky dips, “guess the name” games, and much more. Our Mini Vinnies chose this year’s charities: CAFOD, Caritas, and Children with Cancer UK.
Meeting St Hugh’s SVP
The Mini Vinnies enjoyed a visit to our church hall, where they met with both the SVP and parishioners. SVP members spoke about the local food bank and asked our Year Three Mini Vinnies about their upcoming First Holy Communion. The children chatted about their fundraising efforts through the Lenten stalls and the Big Lent Walk. They handed out handmade Easter cards and were delighted to receive chocolate eggs in return!
An interview with Mrs White
Mrs White, one of our TA’s was invited to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to acknowledge her work in the community. Our Mini Vinnies were excited to find out about Mrs White's trip and about her charitable work. They asked lots of great questions, and Mrs White described meeting lots of people who also work in education and for charity. Mrs White commented ‘It was a beautiful setting and there was delicious food and it was a real privilege to be invited’.
Our Uniform Mission
Our Mini Vinnies have since reflected on their meeting with Mrs White and asked whether we could take inspiration from her example. We have decided to support our school by sorting and returning lost property. When we had some unclaimed uniform left over, we donated them to our PTA pre-loved uniform shop and to Mrs White’s charities, which send clothing to children in Africa.
Fr Pat’s Golden Jubilee
We were honoured to take part in Father Pat’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. Fr Pat has served as our Parish Priest for eight years and has been a priest for an incredible 50 years. What an achievement! Our Mini Vinnies interviewed him about his life and vocation. Father Pat was very impressed with their insightful questions.
