Wardy's Newhaven College Christmas Tree is a cherished tradition of giving that has brought joy to the community since 1991.

This year, the College once again invites everyone to help brighten the experience of Christmas for many. New, unwrapped gifts for children of all ages are welcome. Please place gifts under the tree in the College main reception before Monday December 2.

The gifts will be distributed to local families in need by St Vincent de Paul, sharing the spirit of Christmas and extending support throughout our wonderful community.

Wardy's Newhaven College Christmas Tree began 25 years ago when teacher and Deputy Principal John Ward (retired) called upon Newhaven College families to think of others at Christmas by donating a gift to families in need.

"After attending a conference in Wonthaggi where a participant spoke on the hardship some people in the Bass Coast Shire region face, I put up a Christmas Tree where we collected donated gifts from the College and local Phillip Island communities.

"They were then given to local children in need at Christmas time," Wardy reflects.

The number of families donating gifts increases each year and members of the public are also welcome to come in and place gifts under the tree.

The tree is located at Newhaven College's main reception and the students visit regularly to see what has been donated.

"Learning about the giving tree encourages our students to think of others", Wardy said.

"It is a living example of our College values of respect, empathy and responsibility that they can relate to."

Newhaven College thanked San Remo IGA and Aldi Cowes for their support, along with the College and broader communities, saying every year it was "overwhelmed by the generosity of families and community members who place gifts under our tree".