Social Justice Afternoon – Monday 30th June

Next Monday, 30th June, our school community will come together for a special Social Justice Afternoon, a meaningful event led by our dedicated Mini Vinnies Team. We are delighted to be welcoming members of the Vinnies Youth Team, who will be visiting our school with the Night Patrol Van. This visit will provide our students with an important opportunity to learn about the work of Vinnies in supporting people experiencing homelessness, and to understand the vital role the Night Patrol Van plays in our wider community.

Throughout the afternoon, students will participate in three engaging activities, working in multi-age groups to explore key issues around social justice. These activities will include:

• A session exploring the face of homelessness, aiming to humanise and challenge common stereotypes.
• An experience focused on food insecurity and the difficult decisions faced by individuals and families in times of hardship.
• A reflective journey through the story of a family experiencing temporary homelessness, encouraging empathy and understanding.

The purpose of the afternoon is to foster compassion and raise awareness, helping students see the dignity and humanity of all people—especially those facing difficult circumstances.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already contributed to our Winter Appeal collections. Your kindness is already making a difference. As part of our ongoing support, each class has been assigned a specific toiletry item to collect. These items will be used to create care packs for young people supported by the Vinnies Youth Programs, with a special focus on upholding their dignity and sense of worth.

Families are also warmly invited to donate good quality second-hand jackets, blankets, and sleeping bags, which are always in high demand during the colder months.

Thank you for your continued generosity and support. Together, we are helping to build a more compassionate and just community, guided by the values of our Catholic faith.

Penny Vanzwol

School Welfare Officer