Fostering the Development of Leadership Skills

As the Service Coordinator for Ambrose School Age Care St Michaels in Baulkham Hills, Chloe Lahoud finds inspiration in the opportunity to support and shape young minds during such a crucial stage of their development. She has always loved working with children and giving back to the community, driven by her passion for leadership and diversity.

In August, Chloe attended the National Leadership Forum in Canberra, which gathers young leaders from across Australia and the Pacific. Nominated by a representative from the NSW Department of Education and proudly sponsored by Ambrose and other community organisations, Chloe was selected to attend this event aimed at equipping young Australians to lead selflessly and courageously, grounded in values, compassion, and connection.

During the three-day forum, Chloe had the opportunity to further develop her skills and collaborate with outstanding leaders from various fields, such as Members of Parliament, business leaders, and other young leaders from various stages of life. Together, they reflected on their identities as leaders, explored ways to expand their leadership skills, and considered how to use their authentic leadership to serve others.

Initially feeling hesitant due to her quiet nature, Chloe found the experience enriching.  “Being placed in a group with strangers from all over Australia, each coming from different walks of life, felt daunting. However, I ended up learning so much from the experience,” she shared.

“The forum was an exceptional experience, offering a rich array of learning opportunities and networking possibilities. I had the chance to engage with influential leaders, participate in thought-provoking discussions, and attend workshops that were both inspiring and educational. The insights I gained into effective leadership strategies, innovative problem-solving techniques, and team dynamics were invaluable.”

“The connections I made with fellow participants and mentors are already proving to be a valuable resource as I continue to develop my skills and pursue my goals.”

Chloe expressed her gratitude for the support from all her sponsors and told Ambrose, “Your sponsorship not only made this incredible opportunity possible but also reaffirmed the importance of community support in fostering growth and leadership. I am truly grateful for your belief in my potential and your investment in my future.”

Chloe now looks forward to applying her learnings within her service and plans to share the positive impact of this experience with her team and the wider Ambrose community.

 

Are you looking for a workplace where you are respected and encouraged to grow?
Visit www.ambrose.org.au/careers

Work-based Traineeships in Early Learning

Work Based Traineeships in Early Learning Start your early childhood career with us by gaining a Certificate III qualification while working in our preschool services

Career Stories

Taylah – Embracing Opportunity and Culture

Taylah uses her passion for education, creativity and cultural awareness to inspire children, strengthen community connections and foster inclusive learning environments.

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