St. Raphael’s school was originally opened in 1936 and is situated in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, in the City of Darebin.
St. Raphael’s School is a two-storey building and hall situated on a one-hectare site on Cooper Street, West Preston. It was originally established by the Good Samaritan Sisters and has a history of being a ‘primary’ then ‘secondary’ and returning to a ‘primary’ school setting. St Raphael’s Catholic School has always had a proud reputation for providing quality education for the children of West Preston.
In 2010, as part of the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution project, the school added a wing on the west and east sides of the old building to include new learning spaces and several meeting areas. The original building was also refurbished to reflect innovative, dynamic, and contemporary learning and teaching. In more recent times, the outdoor learning areas have undergone major redevelopment, including sand pits, adventure playgrounds, landscaping, a bamboo forest, garden beds with native plants and seasonal fruit and vegetables, and purposeful outdoor learning environments that extend classroom learning.
St. Raphael’s has a current enrollment of 289 students from Foundation/Prep level to Year 6. There are 12 classes/homerooms in total, with a combination of straight Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 classes, and composite classes from Years 3 – 6. We offer learning models and practices that deliver evidence-based programs aligned with the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools’ ‘Vision for Instruction’ goals of ‘excellence’ and ‘equity’ for all students. Our learning and teaching strategies are measured, and assessment adopts a data-informed approach. It is essential that the child is placed at the centre of the learning.
At St. Raphael’s, we have a strong community spirit that acknowledges and fosters home/school/parish partnerships. Catholic education at St. Raphael’s is accessible, affordable and inclusive. Being a Catholic Primary School, the religious characteristics of the children who attend are primarily Catholic. Our Parish Priest, Fr. Simon Grainger, welcomes children of all religious denominations, with Catholic children given enrolment priority.
Creating learning opportunities that provide a safe and nurturing environment is paramount, and we believe in shared leadership, collaboration, inclusiveness, and faith-filled communities that recognise the inherent dignity of every person. We strive to maintain a positive and inclusive school culture where working together in mission is fostered. At the heart of our school is the desire for the full flourishing of each student across religious, physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains. Our vision is to inspire individuals to be active and independent learners and socially responsible people. The staff are committed professionals who are highly appreciated and respected by the students and parents.
The school’s Multi-tired Systems of Support and high-impact, evidence-based pedagogical practices ensure each student receives the appropriate level of support, instruction and adjustments in learning. The school provides intervention programs and learning support in the areas of Literacy and Mathematics, as well as highly-abled student extension programs. While attentive to the Victorian curriculum, the school offers models, programs, and teaching outcomes such as the Berry Street Educational Model, The Resilience Project, and the Walker Learning Approach (Play-based and Inquiry learning). The school also provides specialist programs in Physical Education, Performing Art, Visual Art, Science, and learning languages (Italian) in addition to English. In addition to the Performing Arts program, the school offers parents the option to enrol their child in the Instrumental Music Program during school hours at their own expense. The Instrumental Program includes Piano, Drums, Guitar and Singing.
Our school is a place of ‘welcome’ and ‘belonging’ where community members are acknowledged and respected. We adhere to our Gospel values of Acceptance, Honesty, Trust, and Hope and are committed to fostering positive and respectful relationships.
