Student Spirituality
At St Ambrose Catholic Primary School, we acknowledge the innate spirituality of every child. Opportunities to nurture their spiritual growth are planned for and provided through a variety of experiences. These connect children to a faith community, give them a sense of security and belonging and remind them that they are deeply loved.
We strive to guide students toward living responsible and just lives by teaching and modelling the Gospel values of love of others through compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, advocating for justice and service to the poor and marginalised.
At St Ambrose Catholic Primary School, we encourage students to develop their whole selves, treat others fairly and respectfully, be responsible for their actions, and follow moral and ethical principles. We strive to activate this through opportunities to celebrate and learn about the Catholic faith through Religious Education classes, daily prayer, retreats and reflection days, liturgies and Mass.
At St Ambrose Catholic Primary School, we incorporate programs that build upon and complement the Catholic Schools Office Student Discipleship Continuum from Year 4 - Year 12. The sequential and age-appropriate continuum provides students with intentional faith-filled opportunities where they feel free to discuss and develop their faith.
Students can experience school and Catholic Schools Office programs such as:
Year K-2 Retreat Days
A one-day retreat for students focusing on the Religious Education curriculum unit at the time of the retreat day. Students will experience activities and learning in connection to the outcomes of the Religious Education unit, developing knowledge and growth in faith.
Year 3 Retreat
A one-day retreat for Year 3 students focusing on the Sacrament of Confirmation. Students will experience activities and learning connected to this Sacrament. Youth Ministry students from neighboring secondary catholic colleges assist in guiding this retreat day.
Year 4 Retreat
A one-day retreat for Year 3 students focusing on the Sacrament of Eucharist. Students will experience activities and learning connected to this Sacrament. Youth Ministry students from neighboring secondary catholic colleges assist in guiding this retreat day.
Accedere Year 4 Retreat
The purpose of this activity is to invite Year 4 students to a retreat day that focuses on the theme of ‘friendship in Jesus’. Developed by the CSO, this program is provided to schools to implement with their Year 4 cohort. Primary schools often engage the support of the Youth Ministry Officers (YMOs) to assist school staff in delivering the program.
Exuro Year 5 Retreat
Exuro is a Student Discipleship Retreat Day for Year 5 students held in each of the five regions of the diocese. Year 9 CSYMA student leaders facilitate small group discussions and activities. Formed parish school staff now convene these retreats.
Incitare Year 6 Retreat
A one-day retreat for Year 6 students using various group processes and student-led discussion. Students will experience faith-nurturing activities and skilling for being faith leaders in their respective schools. It is intended that this cohort of students will build capacity and feel inclined to take up a position in the secondary school Youth Ministry class using the CSYMA program.
Further to the Continuum are:
Schools of Prayer - In nurturing a proper understanding of the role of prayer in the faith life of students, prayer focus is developed to assist age-appropriate parish school engagement in prayer experiences. The main forms of prayer that have been promoted in Catholic Education are the traditional forms and the Rosary, Awareness Examen, Lectio Divina, and the contemplative prayer of Christian Meditation.
Music Ministry - Wildfire, the Diocesan Worship team, offers whole school evangelisation to primary and secondary schools under the banner of Proclaim Lismore and the Ten: Ten Experience.
Digital Ministry - Quality communications are available in the Proclaim Lismore Student digital platforms featuring Facebook and Instagram, with a focus on evangelisation of youth, praise and worship, and youth ministry digital networking (YouTube; Vimeo).
Sacramental Preparation - We work collaboratively with our parish to support students preparing for their Sacraments.
Sacraments are the signs of God’s love in our lives and a way for us to receive spiritual grace. They also celebrate and mark important milestones in our faith journey.
The Sacramental program at St Ambrose Primary School is family-centered and school-based. Families are invited to take an active role in their child’s preparation for the Sacraments. The school supports students Sacramental preparation through the Religious Education program.