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“What I love about Ambrose is the feeling of family. I’m never alone in a situation and support is always available.”

Gillian: Years of Loyalty and Dedication

For Gillian, Our Lady of the Angels (OLA) Kellyville has always been more than just a workplace. After working at OLA for 12 years under a private provider, she was excited to continue her journey when Ambrose took over the service in 2021. Already deeply connected to the school, families and staff, staying at OLA was an easy decision.

Originally from England, Gillian joined OLA as a casual educator after moving to Australia with her family. With young children at home, she was looking for a role that offered flexibility while allowing her to return to work.

“I wanted something to get me out of the house, but I also needed flexibility with my young family.”

Over the years, Gillian’s passion for working with children grew and so did her career. Today, as Coordinator, she leads the service and supports children, families and educators while managing the many operational aspects of running a successful OSHC program.

One of Gillian’s proudest achievements has been her professional growth in administration and technology. When she joined Ambrose, she had never used a laptop, but through ongoing support, patience and learning opportunities, she has become confident managing the administrative side of the service.

Gillian believes the supportive culture at Ambrose has played a significant role in her success.

“What I love about Ambrose is the feeling of family. I’m never alone in a situation and support is always available.”

What motivates her most is the strong sense of community she has built over many years. The relationships she has developed with children, families, school staff and her team continues to make every day rewarding. Her commitment to OLA is so strong that despite moving to North Richmond two years ago, she continues to make the daily commute because of her love for the service and its community.

For anyone considering a career in OSHC, Gillian highly recommends Ambrose.

“There are plenty of opportunities to grow and develop, and I feel heard as an employee. Staff feedback is taken seriously, and there is always support available.”

Gillian’s story is a wonderful example of how Ambrose supports long-term career development. Through ongoing learning, strong leadership support and a collaborative culture, she has continued to grow professionally while doing the work she loves.

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Faith, Belonging and Community

Grounded in the Catholic faith and open to all, our learning communities welcome families from all backgrounds, cultures and faith traditions.

Guided by the values of Respect, Encouragement and Care, educators support children to:

  • Develop kindness, empathy and gratitude
  • Build respectful relationships
  • Care for others and the environment
  • Develop confidence and a sense of belonging
  • Recognise and value diversity within the community

Faith and spirituality are experienced in age-appropriate and meaningful ways through:

  • Prayer and reflection
  • Stories, celebrations and traditions
  • Shared values and respectful relationships
  • Participation in school and community events
  • Experiences of care, inclusion and belonging

Educators nurture children’s natural sense of curiosity, wonder and connection to the world around them while supporting them to grow as caring, thoughtful and respectful individuals.

As part of a Catholic community, children experience opportunities to build connections with:

  • Educators and families
  • School and parish communities
  • Cultural and community celebrations
  • Shared events and experiences
  • The wider world around them

Transitioning to Kindergarten

At Ambrose, transition to school is viewed as a gradual and supportive journey where children build confidence, familiarity and a sense of belonging before their first day of school.

Throughout the year, educators intentionally support children to develop:

  • Confidence participating in group learning experiences
  • Listening and communication skills
  • Independence and self-help skills
  • Emotional regulation and resilience
  • Attention, persistence and flexible thinking
  • Positive relationships and social confidence
  • Familiarity with routines and transitions

 

Families are supported throughout the transition process through:

  • Ongoing communication and transition discussions
  • Parent-teacher interviews and learning updates
  • Transition to School Statements
  • Opportunities to connect with educators and school communities

Social and Emotional Development

At Ambrose, children are part of a connected Catholic school community where relationships, belonging and wellbeing are intentionally nurtured every day.

Grounded in the values of respect, encouragement and care, our nurturing learning environments support children to feel:

  • Safe and supported
  • Confident to participate and try new things
  • Connected to others and their community
  • Valued as capable learners
  • A strong sense of identity and belonging

 

Social and emotional learning is embedded throughout the day through:

  • Collaborative play experiences
  • Group discussions and reflection
  • Intentional teaching moments
  • Problem solving and conflict resolution
  • Structured routines and expectations
  • Prayer, wellbeing and relationship building

 

Through intentional play-based learning, structured routines and shared experiences, children develop:

  • Confidence and independence
  • Positive relationships and friendships
  • Emotional awareness and self-regulation
  • Resilience
  • Communication and collaboration skills
  • Respect, empathy and kindness

Mathematical Thinking and Inquiry

At Ambrose, mathematical thinking is developed through intentional play-based learning, inquiry, investigation and hands-on learning experiences that encourage children to explore, question and problem solve.

The Ambrose Foundations program supports children’s learning about mathematical concepts and applying them in their play and inquiries including STEAM experiences, construction, investigation and collaborative learning.

Children become familiar with:

  • Patterns and predictions
  • Shapes and spatial thinking
  • Measurement and data
  • Quantity and counting

 

Teachers intentionally plan for children’s Mathematical Inquiry and thinking, supporting children to develop:

  • Early number awareness
  • Problem solving and critical thinking
  • Pattern recognition
  • Spatial awareness
  • Reasoning and prediction skills
  • Confidence exploring mathematical concepts
  • Curiosity and inquiry skills

Language and Literacy

Strong literacy foundations begin with language, communication and connection. Children develop literacy skills through meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect learning to their everyday lives, interests and the natural world.

As part of the Catholic school community, Ambrose supports literacy development through a seamless continuum of learning from early childhood into kindergarten and the early years of school.

Through intentional play-based learning and literacy experiences, children build the confidence, communication skills and early learning foundations that support a successful transition into school.

  • This approach fosters the development of:
  • Oral language and communication skills
  • Vocabulary and comprehension
  • Listening and attention skills
  • Confidence participating in group discussions
  • Early literacy understanding
  • Phonological awareness
  • Curiosity about books, stories and language