They might have been snug in their Oodies, bed robes, onesies and other pyjamas on Friday, but St Michael’s Parish School Deniliquin students and staff were anything but sleepy.
The annual Vinnies PJ Day was a chance to spread their charitable spirit and share the warmth with others in need this winter.
The school was full of smiles and kids having fun while recognising the important causes of the St Vincent De Paul Society as part of their winter appeal.
The school’s event co-ordinator Tina Pisasale said the event was an enjoyable way for the students to support people in need this winter while learning and discussing areas of social need in the community.
“It is a fun way to raise money and donations for the St Vincent De Paul Society and Vinnies Reconnect for people in Deniliquin,” she said.
“And through the week we had classes and conversations about homelessness and people who are worse off.”
Friday started with the whole school gathering in the playground, where warm toasties and cups of Milo were served before the annual ‘pyjama parade’.
Parading in their year groups and with music to inspire them, the students showed off their winter outfits.
Awards were given for the best dressed in each stage group, with separate award categories for loudest pyjamas, craziest bed hair, most loved bed toy and best overall outfit.
Deniliquin St Vincent de Paul Conference secretary Daphne Greaves was in attendance for the parade, as were representatives from Vinnies Reconnect who helped judge and hand out the awards.
Mrs Greaves said she appreciated the school’s efforts.
“It is great to see the kids so warm, helping families who are not so lucky and doing it tough living week-to-week and from payment-to-payment.
“We’re very thankful to such a great school for organising this event. It makes a big difference.”
St Michael’s principal Nick Braybon said PJ Day has become a very important tradition each year.
“It is part of our social justice action that we look forward to taking part in at our school.”