“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4: 12)

An anthropologist who was studying a tribe in South Africa put down a basket full of fresh sweet strawberries and promised to give all the fruit to the first child who got to the basket. That was translated and communicated to the children. However, the children held hands and started running together. They were happy to arrive at the basket and share the fruit together. 

The anthropologist was curious so he asked the children, "I told you all that I was going to give one first-place person all the fruit so why did you all hold hands and run together?" Then from one little child's lips shot out the word, "Ubuntu." If all others are sad how can one person be happy.

In the African tradition, “Ubuntu” means I am because you are. If I get rid of “you”, how can I live by myself? How can I show my love for others through respect, support, dignity and inclusion?

At St Ambrose’s, we have added the Catholic Perspective to this African concept: “We are we because of He” - because of Jesus, we love, respect, support and include our neighbours both at a community and global level. 

St Ambrose’s Catholic School is a faith-filled community and we believe in Jesus together. Faith is not something that we do alone. It is something that we do together. We all are gathered here at St Ambrose’s by our love in Jesus. 

The Religious Life of the School is an integral part of our daily routines and planned activities. This year we are going to "Search for the Spirit Within", to be Ubuntu to others, with a special focus on the Habits of Hope and Perseverance. Our Christian story and our traditions make us who we are today and provide us with a foundation and direction for the future.

In 2023, St Ambrose’s School will continue to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, our role model, who teaches us how to make a difference to the lives of others and in the world we live in. He teaches us how to be Ubuntu to others.

St Ambrose is the patron saint of bees and learners. This year’s theme is inspired by our faith, story and traditions and incorporates a bee into the wording and graphics for the theme.

Our 2023 graphic illustrates Ubuntu through the circular symbol of hands coming together (our school community), with the cross (Jesus) and the school logo at the centre.  The indigenous colours highlight our inclusion, support and respect for the dignity of all individuals. 

Maddi Gray​, once again the creator of our 2023 theme logo, is also a source of inspiration to the students and staff of St. Ambrose's. Maddi is a past pupil who continues to actively give back to our school. She uses her skills in graphic design to create visual learning modules, motivational posters and teacher resources to support the learning and teaching at St Ambrose's, and has done so for the past five years.

As a past St A’s student, Maddi is a true testament to “Ubuntu” – she has had the courage to share her God-given gifts to bring change to her own life and also to the lives of our school community and furthermore, the greater community.