Our Promise
A Bright and Inspired Start - our promise
St Raphael's School in Parkside, is committed to providing each student with a "bright and inspired start" to their educational journey.
But how exactly does this primary school deliver on that ambitious promise?
Let's explore some of the key ways St Raphael's sets its students up for success:
Fostering a Love of Reading
At the heart of St Raphael's approach is cultivating a passion for reading from an early age. The school emphasises that instilling a love of books is one of the greatest gifts parents and educators can give children, and brings stories to life through engaging activities like:
- Annual Reading Revolution read-a-thon and expert panel session
- Regular author visits and storytelling sessions
- Cozy reading nooks in classrooms to make reading inviting
- Annual Book Week celebrations where staff and students dress up
- A well-stocked library with the latest children's literature
- Reading buddies program pairing older and younger students
Child-Centred Learning
St Raphael's takes a personalised, child-centered approach to education, where we cater to the individual needs of EVERY child. As a school we prioritise
- Time for teachers to really get to know each student
- Personalised curriculum based on the students’ diagnostic assessments
- Student-led conferences and events where children present their work to parents
- Goal-setting sessions where students identify areas for growth
- Flexible seating options to accommodate different learning styles
- Project-based learning where students pursue topics of interest
Beyond the Academics
Alongside strong academics, St Raphael's aims to develop the whole child through:
- A robust sports program including swimming, athletics, and team sports
- Music lessons and performance opportunities
- Visual arts instruction and student art exhibitions
- Social-emotional learning curriculum
- Community service projects to build empathy and civic engagement
- Buddy programs with local kindergartens, child care centers and nursing homes
Cutting-Edge Programs
St Raphael's School provides innovative educational approaches such as:
- Multisensory literacy programs like Playberry and MultiLit
- IXL and other enrichment opportunities for advanced numeracy instruction
- Coding and robotics classes starting in the early years
- An on-site sensory suite to support different learning needs
- Integration of emerging technologies like Virtual Reality, 3D Printing and Design and Augmented Relaity
Warm, Supportive Community
Parents consistently cite the warm, welcoming community as one of St Raphael's greatest strengths. This is cultivated through:
- Regular community events like the Community Fair Day and picnic afternoons
- An active Friends and Parents Committee that welcomes new families
- Buddy systems pairing new students with established peers
- Open-door policy where parents can easily connect with teachers
- Strong pastoral care program supporting student wellbeing
Future-Focused Approach
St Raphael's takes a forward-thinking approach to prepare students for an unknown future by focusing on:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Creativity and innovation
- Communication and collaboration
- Digital literacy and responsible technology use
- Adaptability and resilience