At St Mary’s, we are incredibly proud of our Mini Vinnies, comprising of wonderful children from Years 1 to 6. The Mini Vinnies are a junior version of the St Vincent de Paul Society England and Wales, a fantastic voluntary organisation dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms. This initiative allows our young learners to engage in meaningful community service, instilling values of compassion and social responsibility from an early age.

Our Mini Vinnies meet regularly with Miss Isaac, who guides them as they pray, discuss, and plan various projects that positively impact not only our local community but also our neighbours around the world. Over the past two years, this dedicated group has been instrumental in leading St Mary’s on our journey towards achieving the CAFOD Live Simply Award. Their commitment and leadership were key to us being officially recognised in July 2025 as a CAFOD Live Simply School, a wonderful milestone that reflects our school’s dedication to living simply, sustainably, and in solidarity with the poor.

The outreach work carried out by the Mini Vinnies is not just about helping others; it’s also a wonderful opportunity for our children to learn and live out our Catholic Pupil Profile virtues. Through their efforts, they witness Catholic Social Teaching in action, reinforcing the importance of Human Dignity, Solidarity, and Service in our faith. It is truly inspiring to see our pupils, motivated by their shared desire to make a difference, understand firsthand the impact their collective efforts can have on improving the lives of those in need.

In every project they undertake – whether it’s fundraising, volunteering, or spreading awareness – our Mini Vinnies are paving the way for a brighter future. Their enthusiasm and commitment to service and their faith remind us all of the significance of community and the difference we can make when we come together.

At St Mary’s, the work of our Mini Vinnies is a shining example of how we live out our Mission Statement every day: “Working, Praying, Sharing and Learning Together.”