St Vincent de Paul Society

Year 10 Soccer

Back Row: J. Farrugia, B. Doree, P. Di Natale, T. Gibson, L. Gersbeck, Mr. N. Yates (coach) Seated: M. Bruce, A. Anastasio, A. Sidarta, P. Darras, P. Petros. Anthony Cormick, Luke McShane (President), Jake Stewart, Mr Graeme Lawler, Andrew Pattison, Pat Cross, Haimish Rix, Owen Luby, Dan Stow Absent: Nathan Johnstone

The St Vincent de Paul group of 2009 had quite a journey this year and we thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The group was made up of students from Year 10 to 12 most of whom were new to the group. We were all honoured to continue the legacy that was entrusted to us and that has been an integral part of De La Salle College for many decades now. Our office bearers for the year were: Nathan Johnstone, Vice President; Haimish Rix, Secretary and Dan Stow, Treasurer. Early on in the year, the group attended the annual St Vincent de Paul Youth Conference at Sacred Heart College, Oakleigh, which focused on what we were doing at school as well as the different ways to be involved with the Society in our post-secondary years. We heard from volunteers on how the Society has been actively involved in assisting those affected by the Black Saturday bush fires as well as on a daily basis with many people in need across the State. It was very inspiring to be told that our group was a part of something much bigger than the twelve students in Room 412 at lunchtime. It was good therefore that most of the group volunteered to help with the Collingwood Soup Van which operates around the Smith Street area on a Sunday night. Throughout the year the group organized events that were both successful and not so successful. One successful activity was the lunchtime indoor soccer competition held in the Gymnasium which raised funds for the various projects as well as being most entertaining. Members were also involved in the annual food can collection for the Malvern Emergency Food Program which distributes food parcels to young couples with disabilities and to other needy people in the suburbs surrounding the College. The money raised this year went to the following charities: St Vincent de Paul Seasonal Appeals, Caritas, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Starlight and the Malvern Emergency Food Program. I would like to thank all members of the group for their contribution during the year along with our gratitude to the De La community for their support and encouragement during the year. Best wishes to the 2010 St Vincent de Paul group in all their endeavours.