A major expansion of the Ambrose preschool at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in the Diocese of Parramatta in Sydney’s west is providing more families with access to Catholic early learning, while strengthening the connection between faith, education and community life.
The former parish convent has been recently transformed into a 50-place extension of the Ambrose preschool at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Greystanes, increasing site capacity to 73 places. The site now also provides options for longer operating hours and vacation care, helping to meet the growing needs of local families.
Located alongside the long-established preschool, The recent expansion reflects a shared commitment between parish and education leaders to create welcoming, faith-filled learning environments where children can flourish from their earliest years.
Speaking with the National Catholic Education Commission, Ambrose Director Temika Yendun said the preschool’s close relationship with the parish is central to its mission and identity.
“Regular visits to the local church are an important part of our preschool program as they reflect our centre philosophy and Ambrose’s strong focus on Catholic values,” Ms Yendun said.
“These visits strengthen our connection with the parish community, which many of our children and families already belong to and actively engage with.”
Ms Yendun said the preschool’s approach aligns closely with the Early Years Learning Framework, helping children develop a sense of belonging and connection within their local community.
“Attending the church provides children with opportunities to connect their classroom learning with real-life experiences,” she said.
“It allows them to explore and participate in their faith in an authentic setting, while also fostering a strong sense of belonging within both their parish and the wider community.”
The visits are carefully planned to ensure preschool-aged children feel comfortable and engaged. Educators prepare children beforehand through discussion and social stories, while parish representatives, including Fr Roberts, welcome children and answer their questions during each visit.
Ms Yendun said the experiences help children connect faith learning with meaningful symbols and traditions.
“For example, during our daily reflection time at Easter, we talked about Jesus’ sacrifice in a way that is appropriate for young children,” she said.
“Following our visit to the Church, we are able to see and hear children bringing the teachings and symbols together.”
During visits, children participate in prayer, listen to scripture stories, light candles and explore the church building while learning about its symbols and sacred spaces. The walk to the church also helps children build familiarity with the wider Catholic education community, including the local primary and secondary schools.
“These experiences also help children feel comfortable in a sacred space, develop social confidence and understand that the church is a welcoming place where they belong,” Ms Yendun said.
She said incorporating faith and community experiences into everyday learning supports children’s emotional wellbeing and holistic development.
“We observe positive outcomes in children’s emotional wellbeing, as they begin to develop an understanding of values such as thankfulness and forgiveness.
“These experiences contribute to children developing a strong sense of identity, belonging and connection within both their faith community and the wider world.”
Parish Priest Fr Paul Roberts played a key role in bringing the project to life and described the redevelopment as a positive outcome for both families and the wider parish community.
Fr Roberts said strong partnerships between parishes, schools and early learning communities are essential to the mission of Catholic education and the life of the Church.
“The Church doesn’t exist for itself.
“We are called to go out and be people of good news; bearers of God’s mercy, joy and grace for others,” he said.
Fr Roberts said Catholic schools and learning communities provide an extraordinary opportunity to engage with families and accompany them through different stages of life and faith.
“What an incredible privilege of access to people and families we have through our Catholic schools and learning communities.”
Fr Roberts said the role of parish communities is not simply to encourage participation in church life, but to offer witness, welcome and encouragement.
“We are there to be people of witness, of mercy, of love and encouragement.”
“If some or many become active members of the Church, great, but that is firstly the work of the Holy Spirit.”
Fr Roberts said Catholic education communities play an important role in helping the Church respond to its mission of serving the wider world with compassion, justice and hope.
The Greystanes preschool expansion reflects growing demand for Catholic early learning across Australia and highlights the enduring value of parish-school partnerships in supporting children and families from the earliest years of education.