Plumpton Early Learning Service

Construction Underway for New Plumpton Early Learning Service

4 July, 2024

On Thursday, July 4th, Community Ventures celebrated a momentous milestone as the site was blessed for the new Ambrose preschool at Good Shepherd Plumpton, marking the commencement of construction of their 7th preschool in the Parramatta Diocese.

This $5m investment by Community Ventures will deliver 100 places for children ages 2 years to 5 years, offering educational programs in nurturing and caring environment which is anticipated to open early 2025.

Concelebrated by the Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv and Fr John Nguyen, Assistant Parish Priest of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars of Plumpton Parish, this collaboration between Community Ventures and the local Plumpton parish represents Community Venture’s commitment to the community and dedication to providing quality education and care for all children. This is a “community where children will grow to realise their potential” Bishop Vincent said during the blessing ceremony, and this service would mark “a new chapter in the lives of the community here”. Aunty Julie Jones, Dharug Custodian and Knowledge Holder, gave the Welcome to Country which was especially symbolic in light of the breaking of the earth ahead of construction.

Built with a focus on the natural environment, the beautiful outdoor spaces will support and stimulate children’s development and learning. Its convenient location beside the grounds of Good Shepherd Plumpton school will provide many wonderful opportunities for Primary school experiences and fostering a strong foundation for school.

Ambrose prides itself on “Learning for Life”, valuing the partnership with Good Shepherd Primary school. Jack De Groot Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Executive Director addressed the attending students from Good Shepherd Primary, “this is about our hopes for you, your families and your little ones” with the school connection providing an opportunity to “build on learning, to build on friendships and build on what it is to be a great person.”

Good Shepherd Primary Principal Anita Knezevic said she is “filled with gratitude and excitement for our journey ahead, today not just marks the beginning of construction but the start of a promising future for our children and this community.”

Community Ventures was established five years ago to expand the mission of the Church to the Community of the Western Suburbs and Blue Mountains, currently operating over 55 Early Learning and School Age Care Services and 6 Early Learning Services under the Ambrose brand.

Jenny Nettleton, Community Ventures Board Member, shone a light on the importance of Ambrose services in supporting working parents with care requirements, “in this area particularly those parents who are essential workers at the hospital and other supporting services.”

The new preschool is the first building construction for Community Ventures and Jenny expressed “we plan to be able to do many more constructions over the coming years as we expand the reach of our services in the Diocese.”

Anthony Goonan, CEO of Community Ventures said, “We know that more than 90% of brain development occurs in a child’s first five years, and our Ambrose preschools provide high quality early education to underpin lifelong learning and wellbeing. Good Shepherd will be the seventh preschool in the Diocese, and we have a vision of providing preschools at every primary school in the Diocese, so that every child has access to quality early learning and the best start to life.

“The blessing of the site for the new Ambrose preschool is a significant milestone in our synodal journey – it is an example of collaboration between Community Ventures, parish and school communities to support families and children and expand the mission of the Church”.

To find out more about Ambrose Early Learning Good Shepherd Plumpton visit www.ambrose.org.au/early-learning-good-shepherd-plumpton