Get involved early
The St Vincent de Paul Society offers opportunities for teachers and students to support their local community and engage in the Vincentian way of living.
The Society encourages school communities to live their faith through action using the ‘See’ (education and awareness), ‘Think’ (formation and reflection) and ‘Do’ (community service and fundraising) model.
For more information: EMAIL
We believe that young people have a unique and powerful voice, capable of driving meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Our team is committed to providing the tools, resources, and opportunities necessary for youth to turn their ideas into action and become leaders in social justice, advocacy, and community service.
The Youth Engagement Team works closely with schools, community groups, and young individuals to create programs and initiatives that align with the values of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility. By fostering a supportive environment, we encourage young people to explore their interests, develop their skills, and connect with like-minded peers who share their commitment to creating a better future.
Mini Vinnies
Our Mini Vinnies program empowers primary-age students to become advocates within their school and local community by putting their values into action. Mini Vinnies groups meet regularly to learn about social justice issues, develop leadership skills and engage with the wider St Vincent de Paul Society.
College Conferences
Our secondary school program - College Conferences - empowers students to recognise, reflect and respond to causes of human injustice through advocacy and action in their local communities. College Conference groups meet regularly to explore ways of achieving a more just and compassionate society, develop leadership skills and engage with the wider St Vincent de Paul Society.
Why register your school?
The St Vincent de Paul Society has been engaging with young people and education since its earliest days.
Our school programs offer an opportunity for students to identify social justice issues that matter to them, and work towards making a positive change within their community. Students can take part in a number of activities and initiatives which not only enrich and encourage learning, but also make a genuine impact on the lives of those who need it most.
By registering with our Mini Vinnies or College Conference program, schools gain access to ongoing support, and a wide range of resources developed by the Youth Engagement Team.
Some of the benefits available to participating schools include:
- Presentations and workshops from the Youth Engagement Team
- Receiving our quarterly schools’ newsletter, containing resources, activities and information on social justice issues and initiatives
- Invitations to regional inter-school events such as the School Conference Networking Event
- Mini Vinnies and College Conference badges for participating students
- Collaboration with local St Vincent de Paul Society Members, to help with fundraising and donations for the local community
Vinnies School Sleepout
Join a growing community of schools across Victoria, like Sacred Heart Sandringham, holding sleepouts for Vinnies to raise valuable funds for homelessness.
Appeals & Initiatives
For more information on some of the different projects your school can get involved in, check out the resources below.
School Newsletters
Our quarterly schools’ newsletter provides updates on what our Mini Vinnies and College Conferences are doing around Victoria, plus classroom activities, resources and news from the Youth Engagement Team.
If you would like to receive our quarterly schools’ newsletter via email, register your school for our Mini Vinnies or College Conference program.
Curriculum Links
All of our school presentations and workshops link to both the Australian and Victorian curriculum.
Click on the items below to view curriculum links by presentation/workshop.
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1908 St Francis Xavier's Prefects
Did you know...
The first school conference was established on 16 August 1908 at St Francis Xavier College, Kew.
The first activities began on 23 August 1908 with the election of College office bearers: President, Leo Grondona; Vice-President, Henry Caulfield; Secretary, Maurice Cussen.
The first College Conference began in 1915.