One of the unique strengths of Ambrose Early Learning services is their close integration with Catholic school communities. Each service is located within the grounds of a Catholic school, creating a natural link between early learning, primary and even secondary education. This proximity offers children a sense of continuity, familiarity, and belonging, long before they take their first steps into kindergarten.
At Ambrose Early Learning Santa Sophia, this connection is brought to life through a valued partnership with Santa Sophia Catholic College, Gables. Together, they’ve created a nurturing and collaborative environment that supports children at every stage of their educational journey.
The Year 2 Buddy Program
A standout example of this partnership is the Year 2 Buddy Program, which runs throughout the school year. In a series of short afternoon sessions held a few times each term, Year 2 students from Santa Sophia visit the children at Ambrose Early Learning and vice versa.
These sessions are carefully designed by Year 2 teachers to align with classroom learning while easing the transition into school life. Activities such as storytelling, drawing, games and colouring help older students develop leadership and communication skills. At the same time, younger children gain confidence and become familiar with the school environment and their future peers.
“The aim of involving Year 2 students is to ensure that when the children begin their learning journey, they already have familiar faces in the older grades to act as mentors and provide support,” said Melissa Huntington, Year 2 Teacher and Stage 1 Leader of Wellbeing and Learning.
Each session concludes with a prayer circle, reinforcing the shared faith and values that underpin both communities, creating a sense of unity and belonging.
Ambrose and Year 2 students buddy up at Santa Sophia Catholic College, Gables. Image: Ambrose/Supplied
The connections fostered through the Buddy Program are evident. “It’s a joy to see the children connect so naturally. The program builds confidence, empathy, and a sense of belonging, for both the young children and the school students,” said Rachael Heylbut, Director of Ambrose Early Learning Santa Sophia.
The benefits of the program extend well beyond the current year. When Year 2 students move into Year 3, they become buddies for the incoming Kindergarten class, many of whom they already know from their time at Ambrose. This sense of continuity not only strengthens relationships but also helps create a more cohesive and supportive school community.
Ashleigh Tabone, Kindergarten Teacher and Early Stage 1 Leader of Wellbeing and Learning, emphasises the importance of this continuity: “The purpose of the Peer Support Program is to help our preschool children transition smoothly into Kindergarten by building confidence and connections with our older students.”
Year 10 Students step into Early Learning
In a wonderful example of education coming full circle, the college’s Year 10 students, currently studying Child Studies, recently visited Ambrose Early Learning Santa Sophia. This hands-on experience gave students a valuable opportunity to step into the world of early childhood education and see its inner workings up close.
The visit offered insights into the physical layout of an early learning environment, the importance of staff-to-child ratios, and the variety of resources and learning tools available to support young children’s development. It was a chance to move beyond the classroom and engage with the real-world application of their studies.
Ambrose and Year 2 students buddy up at Santa Sophia Catholic College, Gables. Image: Ambrose/Supplied
“Students gained first-hand insight into the roles and responsibilities required of early childcare workers,” said Year 10 Teacher Kate Campany. “They thoroughly enjoyed the experience, especially engaging in play with the children in both the indoor and outdoor settings.”
Ambrose Early Learning strongly supports future educators by welcoming both trainees and school-based trainees. During the visit, a CathWest school-based trainee shared their experience, offering practical advice and answering questions, providing valuable insight into early childhood career pathways through peer-to-peer learning.
“We’d love to offer this experience again next year,” said Rachael. “It’s mutually beneficial, the young children loved sharing time with the older students, and the experience helps those Year 10 students feel more confident about pursuing careers in early learning.”
This ongoing collaboration between Santa Sophia Catholic College and Ambrose Early Learning Santa Sophia is a testament to the strength of integrated Catholic education. By fostering connections across all stages of learning, from early childhood through to secondary school, they are nurturing confident learners, compassionate leaders, and possible future educators, all grounded in the values of faith, service, and belonging.
For more information about Ambrose, visit www.ambrose.org.au
Zoe Cartwright is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Community Ventures.
This article was originally published in the 2025 Advent & Christmas | Summer edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
