The Young Vinnies co-curricular group offers an opportunity for students from Years 7 to 12 to fundraise and advocate for various social justice issues. Last term, the girls raised over $1000 through donations, which will be used to purchase stationary items for the students of Thornlie Primary School. Thornlie Primary School has an intensive English Learning Centre where newly arrived students, who speak little to no English, can develop these language skills. These students come from a diverse range of linguistic, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, with many unable to afford basic school supplies such as stationary and books. This is where Young Vinnies steps in.
We meet once a fortnight to raise awareness for a particular social justice issue and discuss how we can help those affected. In line with the school value of Hospitality in 2019, Young Vinnies is focusing on welcoming and including the marginalised in our society such as those who are refugees or homeless.
In our meeting this week, we asked the girls to discuss various statements about Australia’s interactions with marginalised people. This activity was intended to get the girls thinking about how Australia is addressing the issues of social justice we face in society today. One example of a statement the girls were asked to consider is “Australia is doing everything it can to help the homeless”.
With over 160 members, our Young Vinnies leaders are thrilled by the enthusiasm and interest shown by the girls in broadening their awareness of the marginalisation faced by those in our society.
In this photo of the Vinnies Leaders, in order from left to right, the girls are: Milla Dundas, Brooklyn Barr, Bridget Davis, Stephanie Tory, Kate Miller, Gabrielle Van Den Einden, Tehya Conroy, Hannah Gunning. Absent: Madeline Brown
Kate Miller, Young Vinnies President