Recognised for Excellence: St Matthew’s Windsor School Age Care
Ambrose School Age Care at St Matthew’s Windsor is a shining example of a team driven by a shared commitment to children’s growth, wellbeing, and strong community ties. With a focus on quality, inclusion, and sustainability, the service has once again been recognised as a finalist in the 2025 Hawkesbury Business Awards – its third consecutive year receiving this honour. This ongoing recognition reflects the team’s dedication to creating a warm, inclusive, and enriching environment where every child is supported to thrive.
Service Coordinator Keira Lahoud believes that teaching children the value of community connections is one of the most powerful lessons they can learn. “We’re incredibly proud of the strong connections we’ve built within the Hawkesbury community,” she says. “From participating in local events to supporting nearby charities and small businesses, we embrace every opportunity to engage meaningfully with those around us.”
Each year, children proudly enter their creative work in the Hawkesbury Show, while staff support suicide prevention awareness through the local Hope Walk. Families donate thoughtful care packages for overseas children in need via Operation Christmas Child and also donate toys to bring holiday cheer to young patients at Hawkesbury Hospital.
A highlight for the service this year has been their participation in the Duckling Hatch and Grow Project, a delightful initiative delivered in partnership with local Speech Pathologist Maree from Perfect Speech Pathology in Richmond, another proud finalist in the Hawkesbury Awards. Maree began the journey by hatching the eggs at her clinic, after which St Matthew’s took over the care of the ducklings and chicks at the service. The children and staff lovingly cared for the young animals – changing their bedding, checking temperatures, feeding and watering them, and most importantly, giving them plenty of cuddles and affection until they were ready for their forever home.,
Another impactful community initiative run annually by the service is 40 Bags for 40 Days, which was introduced by Keira in 2020. This almsgiving project invites families to donate items such as clothing, books, toys, pet supplies, and food during the 40 days of Lent. These donations are carefully sorted by the educators and distributed to local charities including St Vincent de Paul, Hawkesbury Helping Hands, and the Hawkesbury Animal Shelter. The initiative not only supports those in need but also teaches children about empathy, generosity, and social responsibility.
Another beloved tradition is their participation in the local annual Scarecrow Festival, which supports North West Disability Services. Each year, children choose a theme and collaborate with educators and families to bring their scarecrow to life. Past entries have included Sustainable Sam, made entirely from recycled materials; The Nativity, reflecting the group’s faith; and Safety Scott and Skipper, inspired by local flooding events – an entry that proudly earned second place.
The team at Ambrose St Matthew’s Windsor is also nurturing a growing relationship with Hawkesbury Living, exploring meaningful opportunities for intergenerational engagement. One heartwarming initiative involves children writing letters to the residents, an exchange that brings joy and connection across generations. Niki, Leisure & Lifestyle Coordinator at Hawkesbury Living, shares, “Our residents are always excited when children visit or when they receive anything from them, it fills their hearts with warmth and gives them something truly special to look forward to.”
To foster a strong sense of belonging and inclusion, the service is deeply committed to ensuring that every child, especially those with diverse needs, receives the support they need to thrive. A key part of this commitment is the creation of a Sensory Room, offering a calm and engaging space tailored to children who benefit from sensory regulation and support.
Further enhancing its inclusive approach, the service has actively collaborated with Indigenous families to create meaningful opportunities for children to engage with Indigenous culture. A Yarning Circle has been established, which is a culturally respectful space that promotes storytelling, cultural understanding, and mutual respect, enriching the learning experience for all. Additionally, a bush tucker garden has been introduced, offering hands-on learning about native plants and traditional Indigenous knowledge.
As Keira reflects, “We are very proud to be part of such a beautiful small community here in the Hawkesbury,” adding, “Community isn’t just something we’re part of – it’s something we actively nurture, because it is essential to who we are.”
For more information visit School Age Care St Matthew’s Windsor