Construction has commenced on a new Ambrose preschool, marking the beginning of the next phase within the Diocese. This initiative is a collaboration with Good Shepherd Parish in Plumpton.
Scheduled to open in early 2025, the preschool will accommodate 100 children aged two to five across four learning rooms. It will operate from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, to assist working families.
This preschool will be the first of many planned by the Diocese of Parramatta’s Community Ventures agency. Currently overseeing six Ambrose preschools and 54 out-of-school hours care (OSHC) services in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the Diocese aims to expand this network significantly.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv and Assistant Parish Priest Fr John Nguyen OFM Cap jointly blessed the site during a ceremony on July 4th. Aunty Julie Jones, Dharug custodian, provided the Welcome to Country, underscoring the symbolic significance of the occasion. Bishop Vincent emphasized the community’s commitment to future generations, expressing the Diocese’s aspiration to create a future aligned with divine ideals.
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Jenny Nettleton, director of Community Ventures, highlighted Ambrose’s growth over the past five years in response to community needs, particularly for essential workers. She expressed gratitude to the Capuchin Franciscan community for providing the land for the preschool and emphasized plans for further expansions to meet regional demands.
Anita Knezevic, principal of Good Shepherd Primary School, emphasized the preschool’s role in nurturing curiosity, creativity, and faith-based learning for children in the community.
Anthony Goonan, CEO of Community Ventures, emphasized the pivotal role of early childhood education in lifelong learning and wellbeing. He outlined plans to establish preschools at every primary school within the Diocese to ensure equitable access to quality early education.
Overall, the commencement of the Ambrose preschool construction signifies a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts of Community Ventures, parish communities, and schools to support families and advance the Church’s mission.