Reflection: Why WVELC Celebrates a Christmas Party?

As the year comes to a close at WVELC, we take time to reflect on what matters most to our community— connection, belonging, and shared celebration. Planning our end-of-year festivities invites us to consider key elements of the National Quality Standard, including inclusive practice (Quality Area 6), children’s agency and creativity (Quality Area 1), safe and respectful use of images (Quality Area 2), and sustainable and meaningful traditions (Quality Area 3). These principles guide us not only in our daily practice but also in how we come together to celebrate.

While many early childhood services hold a general end-of-year party, WVELC continues a long-standing Christmas celebration. This choice is not made lightly; rather, it is deeply rooted in the history, culture, and spirit of our centre. We acknowledge that Christmas does not represent every culture or belief system, and we approach this with warmth and respect. Yet for WVELC, Christmas has become a cherished tradition—one shaped and carried by generations of families, educators, and community members.

December 2019 — From left: Emma, Shanthi, Mr Mal, Mrs Jan, and Stephanie pictured together at WVELC.

Our Christmas Party is filled with small but meaningful traditions that remind us of where we have come from: the classic diagonal sausage on bread, the beloved Aussie barbie, and the Santa suit passed lovingly from grandparents, to staff members, to dads and other important community members. These gestures, though simple, embody the heart of Quality Area 6—strengthening relationships with families and building a genuine sense of community. More importantly, they carry a message we hold dear: the Christmas spirit of bringing joy and happiness to others.

Tracey and Angie busy at the sausage sizzle, keeping everyone well fed and smiling.

There is something incredibly powerful about watching children, families, and educators come together in shared celebration. In these moments, we see children exercising agency—choosing how they participate, create, perform, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. We see families connecting with one another in warm and meaningful ways. We see traditions being honoured while new memories are formed. And in all of this, we see a living example of belonging, one of the core principles of the Early Years Learning Framework.

Our dedicated committee members, Becky and Erin, running the cake stall with smiles as they support our committee’s fundraising efforts.

Ultimately, our Christmas celebration is more than a party—it is a reflection of our identity as a community. It honours our past, celebrates our present, and embraces the relationships that make WVELC the warm, connected place it is. Each year, we gather not just to mark the end of the year, but to celebrate the joy we share, the culture we have built together, and the simple but enduring traditions that unite us.

Here’s to all our dedicated staff—past and present. Thank you for keeping this tradition alive and for the incredible effort you put into the preparations. Pictured: Janet, Santa (Linden), and Sashika.