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Sustainability

As a Catholic organisation, we recognise our shared responsibility to care for God’s creation and to encourage children to become responsible stewards of the environment, contributing positively to their communities and the world around them.

Sustainability is more than caring for the environment as it encompasses environmental, social and economic responsibility. We recognise that sustainability also means caring for people and communities by fostering inclusion, respect, equity and strong relationships. Through our Early Learning and School Age Care services, we foster a culture of respect, responsibility and action, empowering children to develop lifelong behaviours that support a sustainable future.

How we Embed Sustainability

Across our services, sustainability is integrated into programs, learning experiences and service operations. We provide opportunities for children to develop an appreciation of nature and understand their role in creating a more sustainable future.

Our services do this by:

  • Encouraging children to care for and respect the natural environment through hands-on experiences and outdoor learning.
  • Embedding sustainable practices into everyday routines, including recycling, reusing materials, reducing waste and conserving energy and water.
  • Creating opportunities for children to participate in gardening, composting and caring for plants and natural spaces.
  • Using natural, recycled and sustainable materials within learning environments wherever possible.
  • Encouraging children to contribute ideas, make decisions and lead sustainable initiatives within their learning environments.
  • Promoting responsible consumption and encouraging mindful use of resources.
  • Engaging families and the broader community to foster a sense of belonging and connection to local environments, communities and places.
  • Learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives about caring for Country and recognising the deep connection between people, culture and the natural environment.
  • Building respectful and inclusive relationships. Developing children’s understanding that caring for people is also part of sustainability.

We believe children are capable, active participants in creating positive change. 

Learning Through Sustainability

Through play, inquiry, collaboration and real-life experiences, children are encouraged to ask questions, investigate problems, test ideas and become active contributors to sustainable solutions.

Children are encouraged to:

  • Explore and connect with nature.
  • Develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills related to environmental challenges.
  • Care for living things and understand their importance within ecosystems.
  • Participate in projects that promote environmental awareness and responsibility.
  • Work together to create sustainable solutions within their learning environment and community.

Our Commitment Moving Forward

We understand that sustainability is an ongoing journey that requires reflection, innovation and continuous improvement. As an organisation, we are committed to regularly reviewing our practices and identifying opportunities to strengthen our environmental practices.

As we move forward, we will continue to:

  • Reflect on and enhance our sustainable practices across all services.
  • Build children’s knowledge, skills and confidence as environmentally responsible citizens.
  • Support educators through ongoing professional learning and sustainable leadership opportunities.
  • Strengthen partnerships with families and local communities to promote sustainable living.
  • Seek innovative ways to reduce our environmental footprint and improve resource management.
  • Foster a culture where sustainability is embedded in decision-making, planning and everyday practice.

Through our commitment to sustainability, Ambrose strives to create learning environments where children develop a deep respect for people, communities and the natural world, recognise their responsibility to care for God's creation, and have the confidence to contribute to a more sustainable, just and thriving future.

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