St Mary Magdalen’s Mini Vinnies – ‘Turning Concern into Action’
‘We are very proud to say that we now have a St Mary Magdalen’s ‘Mini Vinnies’ group in school. Following a very special ‘Mini Vinnies’ commissioning assembly, our Mini Vinnies group work as ambassadors in our school and local community in promoting good causes.’
Mini Vinnies Song – Do you like singing? then why not join in and learn the words to the ‘Mini Vinnies Song‘
‘See – Think – Do’
The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has been engaging with young people and education since its earliest days. Today the SVP England & Wales is pleased to highlight its continuing strong links with young people, through the development of its new ‘Mini Vinnies’ programme – a ground-breaking Primary Schools initiative, based on good work done in Australia and which is seen as having, “the potential to significantly contribute to the future of our Society.”
‘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’.
For further information please visit the ‘Mini Vinnies’ website.
Mini Vinnie Commissioning Assembly
Our ‘Mini Vinnie’s’ group were commissioned in a very special and prayerful assembly. The assembly was lead by the children with the support of Mr. Wilcox, who is a member of the SVP society, and our local SVP community member, Mr Denis Rooney.
Visit to our local residential care home – Beachcomber
Our ‘Mini Vinnies’ hand delivered Easter cards to the residents of Beachcomber (residential care home). The cards were greatly received and it was lovely to see so many happy smiles!
Further visit to our local residential care home – Beachcomber
Our ‘Mini Vinnies’ visited our elderly residents again this half term. They dropped in for a friendly chat and gave out special cakes that they had baked in school. The Mini Vinnies will make sure they drop into Beachcomber every term so that they can share some quality time with the residents.
“Books and Bakes’ Sale
As part of our school ‘Books and Bakes’ sale, our Mini Vinnies held a ‘Staff Bake a Cake’ competition to raise money for charitable causes. Best staff cake went to Mrs Robson who excelled herself once again! Thank you to all staff who baked delicious cakes for our Mini Vinnies – they raised a very impressive £160.53 – well done!
A Big Thank You to our local SVP group
Thank you to our local SVP group and church for their generous donation of £350 to help with the training of our Rainbows programme in school. I am sure the programme will be a great help to those children who have suffered a bereavement or loss. A big thank you from all at St Mary Magdalen’s School!
Spreading a bit of Christmas Joy (2016) in our Community
Our ‘Mini Vinnies’ visited several care homes this Christmas to deliver their hand made Christmas cards to the residents. There were lots of smiles, laughter and good wishes all round. Merry Christmas everyone from St Mary Magdalen’s Mini Vinnies.
Keeping our Beaches Clean
Our Mini Vinnies and Year 4H spent time this week helping Durham County Council and Heritage Coast in cleaning our local beach. The children volunteered to litter pick from Seaham beach so that both people and wildlife can enjoy it’s true beauty. They learnt lots about the effects of litter and how to deal with problems when they arise. The children would like to pass on a message to all who read this – ‘…..please put your litter in a bin and keep our beaches clean.’
Red Nose Day 2017 – Raising money with their ‘Tell us a Joke’ Competition.
