Come to ‘Darwin’s biggest corporate Christmas party’ with the Henbury School community

A Darwin school catering for students with some of the highest needs in the NT have invited donors big and small to Darwin’s ‘biggest’ corporate Christmas party. Read the details.

The Henbury School is a special needs school in Darwin’s northern suburbs. Picture: Glenn Campbell

A small school with a big heart is calling on the community to help bring the joy of inclusive education to its vulnerable students.

Henbury School is a dedicated special needs high school in Darwin’s northern suburbs which caters to Years 7 to 12 students with some of the highest needs in the Northern Territory.

“We cater for students who need a bit more time to learn new skills,” principal Sarah Corry explained.

“We have smaller classes and more teachers, but we still have lots of engaging programs like photography, design tech, drama, horticulture.

“We have a huge focus on wellbeing and regulation and helping students to access the curriculum.”

Dixon enjoys BoxFit NT sessions which are part of Henbury engagement and inclusion programs at the Henbury School in Darwin. Picture: Supplied

There are 167 students at Henbury, with all students living with a range of mild to severe disabilities.

Every two years the school community organises The Henbury Corporate Luncheon to raise much needed proceeds to deliver their life-changing programs beyond the funding of government.

The 2025 Henbury Corporate Luncheon will be held at Darwin Convention Centre on November 28, with this year’s fundraising going towards attendance and engagement programs, communication technology and the innovative Henbury Precinct training centre.

The Henbury Corporate Luncheon is held at the Darwin Convention Centre. Picture: Supplied

The organisers describe it as “Darwin’s biggest corporate Christmas party”.

The ambitious school has a target of raising $100,000, with 2023’s effort raising $90,000 through donations, tickets and sponsorship from donors big and small.

“It’s not just about the money,” Ms Corry said.

“It’s also about community awareness and showcasing the skills of our students as well.

“Sometimes people only find out about all we do through this event — we want to introduce new businesses to our school.”

KIDS NEWS 2024: Schoolyard Shoutout - Community. Mini Woolies launch at the Henbury School in Darwin NT. 19th March 2024. Picture: supplied/Dallas Kilponen/Woolworths

The Henbury Precinct Cafe located at Casuarina Village provides authentic opportunities for students to develop work skills and learn other important life skills at the Henbury School in Darwin. Picture: Supplied

Support from local businesses has been significant, particularly with the Henbury Precinct which includes an op shop and cafe.

Woolworths even provided students with a Mini Woolies, allowing them to gain important skills for future employment.

Assistant principal Raylee Parker said the Henbury Corporate Luncheon and other interactions with the community were important for “demystifying disability”.

“We are a leader in education for students with a disability and having a connection with the community normalises living with a disability for our young people,” she said.

Tickets are on sale for the event on November 28 until November 6, unless otherwise sold out.

Henbury welcomes everybody to either purchase a ticket, sponsor the event or make a donation to support the wonderful work they do.

Tickets can be purchased at http://www.hcl.asn.au/help-us.html

Originally published as Come to ‘Darwin’s biggest corporate Christmas party’ with the Henbury School community