Construction is nearing completion on a new Ambrose preschool which is being built in partnership with the Good Shepherd Parish in Plumpton.
This marks the first preschool to be built by the Diocese of Parramatta’s Community Ventures agency, which already operates six Ambrose preschools and 55 out-of-school-hours care services in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Scheduled to open in early 2025, the preschool will be located next to Good Shepherd Primary School and will accommodate 100 children aged two to five across four learning rooms. With an aim to support working families, it will operate extended hours from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
In July 2024, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, the Bishop of Parramatta, concelebrated the blessing of the building site with Assistant Parish Priest of the Good Shepherd Parish, Fr John Nguyen.
Bishop Vincent told those gathered for the event that the service would mark “a new chapter in the lives of the community here”.
“We are all here for the sake of the children and the generations to come,” said Bishop Vincent, adding that the Diocese wanted to build a future that “mirrors the reign of God”.
The Good Shepherd Parish, administered by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, has a long-standing commitment to education. Community Ventures is grateful to the Capuchin community for making land available for the new preschool.
The new Ambrose preschool is next to the Good Shepherd Primary School, in Plumpton. Image: supplied by Interior Construction Group
Since founding the arish in 1970, the Capuchins have established three schools: Good Shepherd Primary in 1979; St Francis Primary in Glendenning in 1991; and St Clare’s High School in Hassall Grove in 1994. The upcoming preschool will be their fourth educational institution, continuing their legacy of fostering learning and growth for young children in the area.
Recently the building development achieved a significant milestone. The entire building, prefabricated offsite, was divided into several modules, each carefully packed and braced for transportation.
With precision, coordination and with much excitement from the children of Good Shepherd Primary, cranes meticulously lowered each piece into its designated position at the permanent location at Good Shepherd Plumpton.
Anthony Goonan, chief executive of Community Ventures, expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s thrilling to see the building rise from the earth and hear the cheers from the Good Shepherd Primary School children as the pieces were lowered into place.
“Ambrose is in the unique position to be able to provide early years education services co-located with the primary schools operated by Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese. This fosters a sense of belonging for children and families, facilitating a seamless transition into Catholic education.”
The new Ambrose preschool at Plumpton will be open in 2025. Image: supplied by Lineaire Projects
Ambrose offers inclusive Catholic preschools that welcome families from all backgrounds and faiths. Jade Hunn, the newly appointed Director of Ambrose Early Learning Good Shepherd Plumpton, embraces this inclusivity and is eager to engage with the Good Shepherd Plumpton community.
She is driven by her passion for building strong, connected communities. “I am deeply passionate about advocacy and promoting the rights of others in my everyday practices. I work diligently to ensure that my services are inclusive environments for everyone,” she says.
Jade is keen to welcome families to start their child’s educational journey, explaining that “the service will be backed by a play and inquiry based early learning program and dedicated parental support. Our aim is to nurture children in a caring, faith-filled environment so they can thrive and make a seamless transition to primary school from their early years.”
Ambrose aspires to establish preschools at primary schools across the Diocese wherever possible, ensuring all children have access to quality early education and the best start in life.
As Jo Tapley, Senior Manager of Ambrose Early Years Education, says: “We know that more than 90% of brain development occurs in a child’s first five years. Ambrose preschools offer high-quality early education, guided by the values of Respect, Encouragement, and Care, which supports lifelong learning and wellbeing.
“We are continually expanding our services to further the mission of the Church, and the upcoming early learning service in Plumpton is an exciting step forward of this mission. It represents a significant milestone in our synodal journey; an example of the collaboration between Community Ventures, parish and school communities to support families and children.”
Learn more about Ambrose Early Learning Good Shepherd Plumpton by visiting www.ambrose.org.au or calling 1300 426 276.
Zoe Cartwright is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Community Ventures.
This article was originally published in the 2024 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.
