Christmas at Phoenix Bay School has been full of the stuff that actually matters: connection, creativity, and plenty of moments to feel proud of.
We came together as a whole school for a proper Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, then ended the day with Christmas karaoke. The kind where you see confidence build in real time, with lots of laughter along the way.
Across the week, students have also been making Christmas wreaths, each one completely different, each one a small reminder that creativity looks different for everyone, and all of it counts.
We also had Animal Encounters in for the day, which was a huge hit. The armadillo was the clear favourite and it brought exactly what we hoped for: curiosity, calm, and lots of smiles.
Winter games added another layer of fun too, including the unforgettable challenge of becoming a “human snowman”. These shared experiences matter because they build teamwork, trust, and those positive relationships that carry students through the harder moments.
And as always, it is not just “nice festive stuff”. It is all grounded in our trauma-informed, relational approach. We know this time of year can be joyful and complicated for young people, so the focus stays the same: safe, inclusive experiences that support connection, regulation, and belonging.
A festive season built on care, understanding, and community. Phoenix Bay, as it should be.
