Mini Vinnies
See-Think-Do
What are the Mini Vinnies?
‘Mini Vinnies’ is the name for a St Vincent de Paul Group for primary aged children. We get together to organise and talk about helping others in need within our school community of Plaistow.
Mini Vinnies’ at St. Helen's meet once a week after school on a Wednesday and is run by Miss Bullock and Miss Orwell.
What happens at a Mini Vinnies’ meeting?
A 'President' was elected by all of our Mini Vinnies to lead the meeting and organise the group. Miss Bullock and Miss Orwell co-ordinate the group and give help and advice on the practicalities of ideas.
The president opens the meeting with a prayer
A short spiritual reading/ reflection/ piece of music/ meditation follows the prayer.
Group members then talk about the Mini Vinnies' activities they have done since the previous meeting. Any future plans are then discussed, shared and actioned.
Recent News
The Harvest Festival Assembly
The Mini Vinnies and the School Council took responsibility for collecting food and arranging the display for the Harvest Festival Assembly. They will now also arrange the distribution of food to different local families and food banks.
Mini Vinnies Festival
St Anthony's, St. Edward's, St. Francis', St Joachim's and St Michael's all joined up with us on the 28th of February for this years Mini Vinnies Festival. We travelled to the Our Lady of the Rosary and St Dominic's Church in North London, where we attended mass and had a tour of the chapels. Afterwards, the children from each school were able to present on what being a Mini Vinnie means to them as well as sharing with each other the activities that they have completed over the last year.
The children were then given time to socialise with each other after their presentations.
Visit to Westminster Cathedral
On Tuesday 8th November, the Mini Vinnies went to Westminster Cathedral to attend a mass to celebrate the Year of Mercy.
Mini Vinnies Projects
Cleaning the Chapel
Our Mini Vinnie's club has been serving the community by cleaning the convent chapel. A big thank you to Mrs Reynolds and Mrs Phillips who have taught us about the different parts of the chapel.
Gardening
The Mini Vinnies continued to think of how they can help within the school and so decided to plant bulbs and do gardening around the statue of St. Helen's. In line with the motto of 'See-Think-Do' the Mini Vinnies are all represented on the Eco-committee too and therefore the children recognise that planting bulbs helps to build a better planet.
For more information on the Mini Vinnies please visit their website - www.minivinnies.org.uk
