In school, we have a number of opportunities and groups for children to raise opinions and feelings democratically, liaise with staff to make their voices heard and to be proactive members of our school community. In terms of faith nurturing and development, we have three main groups:
- Pupil Chaplains
- Laudato Si’ Leaders
- Mini Vinnies
This page contains further information about the above groups – read on to see how they support us in our mission!
Pupil Chaplains
We have two Pupil Chaplains in each KS2 class. These children support our prayer life in school. So far this year, they have shared prayer cloths in liturgical colours; organised the Travelling Cribs for Advent; updated our school Gospel Values, including related scripture; shared their experience with other children after venerating the relics of St. Bernadette; supported NPCAT in a shared Advent Service and have begun to organise a rotating ‘prayer space’ activity in our Prayer Room.
Laudato Si’ Leaders
Inspired by Pope Francis’ letter of the same name, our Laudato Si’ Leaders support the school to live in a way that protects God’s creation and His people. They launched with a whole-school liturgical prayer and have since encouraged children in every year group to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the poor. Children from Reception to Y6 have litter picked in our local area as a result of their inspiration!
The Laudato Si’ Leaders have also helped with the designing and construction of our new Prayer and Sensory Garden – alongside the school’s Gardening Club. We can’t wait to see how it will turn out!
Please see our LiveSimply page for more information on the wonderful work of our Laudato Si’ Leaders.
Mini Vinnies
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) is an organisation that strives to spread justice in our world. The Mini Vinnies is the branch of this group in which children can work to make a difference in the world.
Visit the Mini Vinnies website by clicking on this link
In St. Edward’s, we know how important it is to put our faith into action. Our Mini Vinnies group helps to spearhead campaigns and initiatives in school.
Who was St. Vincent de Paul?
Vincent was born poor and in the beginning he wanted to be rich. This was why he first became a priest!
Later he changed his mind and decided to spend his life helping the sick and mentally-ill, orphans and old people, beggars and the starving, prisoners and galley slaves.
Vincent’s life is a great reminder for us all to find ways to help those around us.
What do Mini Vinnies do in St. Edward’s?
In our group, we organise a range of events and initiatives in school. We have organised fundraisers, supported with the Mission Together project and collected food for local food banks. Check this page regularly for updates of what we have been doing in school and in our community.
How often do we meet in Mini Vinnies?
We will meet each fortnight to review our actions over the past two weeks and plan our next steps based upon current events, the Church calendar – or in any way that we feel inspired!
How can I become one of the Mini Vinnies?
Come and see Miss Melvin any time to discuss being part of our Mini Vinnies team.
