Students at St Columba’s Primary in Bayswater were able to raise awareness of the school’s values of compassion and justice while participating in a fashion parade at their inaugural “Vinnies Day” on July 3.
Children from Pre-Primary to Year 6 (and teachers) had been encouraged to buy clothing from a St Vincent De Paul (SVDP) shop and wear it to school for the occasion.
The highlight of the day was the public displaying of the varied and unique styles purchased. After the event the students could then choose to donate the clothing back to the Vinnies shops.
Assistant Principal Deb Klatt told The Record the idea was the brainchild of Carl Prowse, SVDP State Retail Manager and actively involved father of children at the school.
Ms Klatt said Mr Prowse had approached Principal Greg Martin with the idea of raising awareness and promoting the SVDP retail shops.
“At St Columba’s we strive to live by the values of mercy, justice, service, compassion and excellence,” Ms Klatt said.
“And this was the perfect opportunity to live out the values of compassion and justice.”
The school had been utilising its newsletter in the preceding weeks to draw attention to the role SVDP plays in providing support for those who were disadvantaged and marginalised within the community.
“We had earlier run clothing and blanket drives where families were provided with bags they could fill and return to the school,” the deputy principal shared.
“All of these activities gave our students the opportunity to offer practical help to those needing support.”
The occasion also provided students with a moment in the spotlight as they paraded their purchases in front of other students, parents and representatives from the Society.
“The children had a fantastic time,” Ms Klatt announced proudly, “Some of them could easily have rivalled any catwalk model.”
The day was a great success and met the goals of both the school and the Society, she shared.
“It showed true partnership between our communities – it would be an event we would be honoured to be part of again.”
The St Vincent de Paul Society is encouraging other Catholic schools to become involved by organising their own “Vinnies Day”.
For more information and assistance, contact Carl Prowse on 9475 5408.