Mini Vinnies gathers at St Paul’s Rutherford

On Friday 28 July, the Mini Vinnies Committee from St Paul’s Primary School, Rutherford, hosted the first ever Mini Vinnies regional gathering.

Students and staff from St Joseph’s Primary School, East Maitland, St Aloysius Primary School, Chisholm, St Joseph’s Primary School, Dungog and Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Tarro joined students from St Paul’s for the event.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to meet like-minded people from other schools,” said principal, Douglas Garnett. 

The morning saw all students gather for Mass with Fr Camillus and Fr Joyce, who demonstrated great enthusiasm and involvement during the Mass.

A special thank you goes to the musicians, Anaiya Mahoney and Larissa Stubbings, who led the choir and Mr Smith and Mr Burgess, who played guitar during Mass. 

Following Mass, all students enjoyed a special morning tea together in the Church grounds, where they were able to share the social justice activities that each Mini Vinnies group has been involved in at their school.

“It was great opportunity for all students to hear the different ideas that schools have implemented to make an impact, allowing them to take new ideas back to their school,” said Mr Garnett.

Volunteers from the Rutherford St Vincent de Paul Conference and Mr Garnett rolled up their sleeves to cook to a delicious barbecue lunch for the students.

Meanwhile, Michelle Kot, volunteers from the Maitland-Newcastle diocese and St Vincent de Paul Society led fun activities for the students focusing on social justice issues.  

St Paul's Mini Vinnies Committee thanks Michelle Kot for all her hard work in preparing the day and all the volunteers who gave up their time to assist on the day.

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