At St Michael’s, we are proud to introduce our Pupil Leadership Team, which empowers our children to take on active roles in our school community and beyond. Our team is comprised of three dedicated groups: Laudato Si Ambassadors, Mini Vinnies, and Caritas Ambassadors. Inspired by Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity,” these groups work collaboratively to embody our school’s values and make a positive impact both locally and globally, through living out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

Our Pupil Leadership Teams

Laudato Si Ambassadors

The Laudato Si Ambassadors focus on environmental stewardship and caring for our common home, inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical, “Laudato Si’.” These students lead initiatives to promote sustainability, reduce waste, and educate their peers about the importance of looking after God’s creation. They are passionate advocates for the environment, reminding us all of our responsibility to protect and cherish the world around us.

Throughout the year so far, some of the activities the Laudato Si Ambassadors have led have included:

  • Some of the Laudato Si team took parks in a Community Clean Up
  • Led an assembly with the whole school looking at the principles of Catholic Social Teaching
  • Visiting the Laudato Si Centre during Holy Week
  • Took part in the @helppciture assembly training
  • Participated in the RSPB Big Bird Watch
  • Made birds feeders for our schools grounds
  • Met Councillor Lucy Smith and had the chance to ask her questions
  • Set the whole school a challenge of recycling batteries and crisp packets during Recycling Week
  • Led a whole school assembly about recycling week
  • Litter picking at lunch time as part of the Great Big Spring Clean
  • Check the classrooms daily at lunch time to see how many of our ‘eco criteria’ they meet
  • Decide on who deserves the weekly Laudato Si Award

Laudato Si

Mini Vinnies

The Mini Vinnies are dedicated to leading collective worship across the school and addressing wider global issues. They organise and lead prayer services, encourage spiritual reflection, and promote social justice initiatives. By raising awareness and fostering empathy, the Mini Vinnies help our school community to connect with and support those in need around the world.

Some of the things are brilliant Mini Vinnies have been involved with so far this year include:

  • Meeting to plan the transition for the next group if Mini Vinnie children
  • Leading the school in The Rosary at breaktimes during May
  • Leading a whole school assembly on Catholic Social Teaching
  • Planned the ‘Big Lent Walk’ and raised £500.00 for CAFOD
  • Met with Barry and Margaret Mizen
  • Presented a cross to the St Bernadette’s SVP group
  • Making an Easter display for Church
  • Making God’s eyes to share with the school
  • Organising the whole school ‘Teeny Tiny Nativity Project’
  • Organising the whole school/class nativity packs during Advent
  • Sharing Advent prayer packs with families
  • Making Christmas cards for people who are in prison

Caritas Ambassadors

Our Caritas Ambassadors concentrate on supporting the vulnerable within the Salford Diocese. They engage in various outreach activities, from organising food collections to visiting care homes, demonstrating compassion and solidarity with those who are most in need. Their work embodies the spirit of Mother Teresa’s words: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

Over recent months our Caritas Ambassadors have been involved in:

  • Took part in the @helppicture Pupil Led assembly training
  • Led a whole school Easter Egg competition as part of a project with the local Spar
  • Organised the St Joseph’s Penny appeal across the whole school
  • Visited Morrisons to buy food for our school foodbank
  • Led a whole school assembly on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Together, these groups embody our commitment to nurturing hearts, minds, and spirits, and inspire their peers to live out our Catholic values in meaningful ways. The Pupil Leadership Team at St Michael’s not only enhances our school community but also extends our reach, showing that even small actions, when done with great love, can make a significant difference.