School holidays are often a time of relaxation, but they also bring unique challenges for families as they juggle work and caregiving responsibilities. Many families within the Diocese turn to Vacation Care offered by Ambrose, for support.
Anthony Goonan, CEO of Ambrose, highlights the vital role that Ambrose plays in the community to support families.
“We launched our vacation care program in 2021 with 14 services. We have now expanded to 21 vacation care services and have experienced a steady rise in bookings, which have nearly doubled over the past four years,” he said.
The children at Ambrose Activities St Luke’s Marsden Park learn all about about farm life, thanks to Skye the farm dog. Image: Supplied
“This growth is driven by the increasing demand for high-quality, inclusive, and structured play-based education and care. Ambrose has built a strong reputation for its dedicated and compassionate staff and the engaging and diverse programs we offer. We are about providing Catholic services to all in the community, and we welcome children from all faiths and schools to join us,” he added.
Ambrose Senior Manager of School Age Care Mabel Osei said Ambrose Vacation Care services provide a safe and nurturing environment for children, allowing them to thrive, explore, and develop essential life skills.
“The programs go beyond mere entertainment; they offer countless opportunities for personal growth. Children can form meaningful social connections with new friends and gain a variety of experiences. The programs cultivate independence, encourage learning, promote physical activity, and nurture creativity,” she said.
“This is a structured environment where children of varying ages can make friends and develop social skills. This is particularly beneficial for those entering kindergarten as it helps them build confidence and form new friendships before starting big school.”
Santa Sophia Vacation Care had a great time playing a game of wheelchair basketball. Image: Supplied
Working parents at St Angela’s Castle Hill appreciate the support.
“I love the excursions and activities. It benefits me as I can focus on my work,” one parent said.
Another said: “We both were working so it helped us to have care provided for him.”
A distinctive feature of Ambrose services is the Catholic ethos. The programs encourage children to embody values of respect, encouragement, and care in their interactions and play.
Senior Manager Mabel said: “We guide the children to be mindful of these core values, when they engage with each other”.
This nurturing approach not only fosters a supportive environment but also instils important life principles that the children carry with them.
The success of Ambrose Vacation Care is largely due to its dedicated and compassionate staff, who function like an extended family. They are deeply committed to understanding each child and invest significant time in developing engaging and diverse programs that incorporate the children’s interests.
The children at St Joseph’s Schofields enjoy a day of jumping, bouncing, and sliding at Inflatable World. Image: Supplied
Ambrose Area Coordinator Fionn Byrne said: “We’ve had visits from the Royal Flying Doctor Service with a life-sized plane, aquariums with live marine animals, dinosaur visits, reptile encounters, mini golf and cinema excursions, music and magic days, coding, baking, sports and more”.
“These activities are both fun and educational, offering children the chance to explore new interests and hobbies. Often community based, they help children connect with their surroundings and foster a sense of belonging.”
Acknowledging the financial burden holiday activities can impose on families, Fionn adds: “Ambrose Vacation Care services are Child Care Subsidy approved, potentially reducing fees by up to 90% for eligible families.”
Joshua Wood, Service Coordinator at Ambrose School Age Care Chisholm, Bligh Park, enjoys working in the vacation care program.
Children at Our Lady of the Rosary Kellyville getting hands on with marine animals and learning about marine biology. Image: Supplied
“It’s always exciting to see familiar faces, build new friendships, and create memorable experiences together,” he said.
So what do the children think? They love Ambrose Vacation Care for a range of reasons:
- “The activities” – Josephine
- “Making friends with the Santa Sophia kids and playing basketball” – Matteo
- “I love when I can go to places and do stuff. I love when people come and do stuff with us” – Erica
- “I love the surprise when someone comes and does stuff” – Ayen
Easter Holiday Vacation Care
During the Easter school holidays, vacation care is available at 21 Ambrose services, offering a fun and varied program of activities every day. Highlights include exciting excursions to the Wanderers Football Park, where children can enjoy action-packed football activities led by experienced Wanderers coaches.
For details on Ambrose Vacation Care, go to ambrose.org.au/vacation-care
This article was originally published in the 2025 Lent & Easter | Autumn edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
