St Vincent de Paul Society

St Vincent de Paul

What a busy year 2011 has been for the St Vincent de Paul Society. The group consisted of boys from Years 10–12, all willing to involve themselves in social justice which has always been an integral part of De La Salle College. Each meeting provided a friendly environment that all the boys could contribute to. Early in the year, Matthew Taylor and James McCaffrey attended the annual St Vincent de Paul Youth Conference at St Kevin’s College. The conference focused on many aspects of Social Justice and ways individuals can continue to be involved in the St Vincent de Paul Society after De La. One of the activities was volunteering at the Collingwood Soup Van. Many of the boys stepped out of their comfort zones on chilly Sunday evenings to help those less fortunate. The boys would share their experiences at the meetings each week and it was evident they gained a great amount of satisfaction from the experience. The Malvern Emergency Food Program was once again a success. In no time, Mr Magree’s office was full of assorted food items, a credit to the College Community’s generosity. The biggest event for the St Vincent de Paul Society this year was the Dodge Ball event. What was created as an experiment for fund-raising last year grew to be a raging success this year. For the last weeks of Term 2, the audience in the College gym roared on their teams. It was good to see teachers and students working together. The proceeds raised went towards our Coolies mission in India. A lot of planning and preparation went into the event and a special thanks to Mr Petrie and Mr Harrup who refereed the event. Thanks go to all members who attended the meetings each week, all whom enthusiastically contributed to the society throughout the year. Thanks to Anthony Kouch, our Vicepresident, Mark Goy our Treasurer, and Secretary James McCaffrey (who took down some of the most entertaining minutes we have ever read), who put themselves forward to help the society in whatever way possible. I’m proud to call these boys “Vinnies” as they have proven themselves to be fine gentlemen. Special Thanks must be given to Mr Lawler who has guided the society through yet another year. Our society would not operate so effectively without his support and enthusiasm for the boys, reflective of his warm and friendly personality.

Nick Rodway, Liam Sharp, Ryan Moody, Mr Graeme Lawler and Matt Taylor As the College moves into its centenary year, it would be fantastic to see an even larger number of volunteers present at St Vincent de Paul meetings. The society is a joy to be part of and the experience is both rewarding and satisfying. Make 100 years at De La Salle count, and I encourage all our students to ‘get involved’ and make the St Vincent de Paul Society of 2012 the greatest ever. Ryan Moody President

Year 12 St Vincent de Paul Leaders — Josh Attard, Michael Bruce, Mark Goy, Michael Galgani, Anthony Kouch, Joe Morina, James McCaffrey, Chris Ngu, Liam Sharp and Will Sullivan.