We are thrilled to announce that St Raphael’s School has been recognised as a 2025 5-Star Employer of Choice by The Educator, standing proudly among Australia’s most outstanding educational workplaces!
The Educator’s rigorous selection process, which included comprehensive research and input from industry experts, identified St Raphael’s as a leader for our commitment to creating a supportive, rewarding, and dynamic workplace culture. This prestigious honour reflects the professionalism, dedication, and heart that our entire team brings to the St Raphael’s community every day.
“The standard of nominated employers across the Australian education industry was thoroughly impressive. St. Raphael's School stood out and were awarded 5-Star status for their comprehensive approach, ensuring their employees are part of a supportive and rewarding culture.”
— Chris Sweeney, Managing Editor, The Educator
What The Educator Has to Say About Why St. Raphael’s School Is Special
According to The Educator:
Opened in 1889, St Raphael’s School in Parkside is a vibrant, welcoming community where every child’s journey is celebrated and nurtured. Our personalised, child-centred approach recognises the unique spark in every learner and partners closely with families to help children flourish.
Our dedicated team—including award-winning teachers, caring admin staff, social workers, therapists, and specialists—works hand in hand with families to provide tailored support and expert guidance. Sensory-rich spaces invite students to take intellectual risks, build resilience, and discover their passions, while life skills and leadership are woven into every year level.
St. Raphael’s is a hub for unique experiences, from our Cultural Immersion Program and intergenerational buddy classes to signature events like the Cultural Connections Fair and Reading Revolution. Our broad range of specialised programs and extracurricular opportunities ensures every child can explore, grow, and excel.
Join Our Community
This recognition as a 5-Star Employer of Choice is a testament to the vibrant, nurturing environment we have built together at St Raphael’s School. Congratulations to our community.
Principal
Emma Fowler
We are thrilled to share some outstanding news about our students’ academic progress, as demonstrated in the latest NAPLAN results. The data clearly shows that our focused approach to teaching and learning is making a significant difference in student outcomes.
Exceptional Progress from Year 3 to Year 5
Tracking the same cohort of students from Year 3 in 2023 to Year 5 in 2025, we have seen remarkable improvements across all key learning domains:
- Reading
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Numeracy
Every student in this cohort has shown growth. This is a testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the support of our school community.
Key Highlights from 2024–2025 NAPLAN Data
- Significant Increase in High Achievement: There has been a notable rise in the number of students achieving at the 'Strong' and 'Exceeding' levels, particularly in Reading and Numeracy.
- Reduction in Students Needing Attention: Across every domain, fewer students require additional support, indicating the success of our targeted interventions.
- Growth for New Arrivals: In Year 3, students who initially scored in the 'Needs Attention' category were new arrivals to our school. Thanks to our tailored support, we anticipate significant improvement in their upcoming NAPLAN results.
Visualising Our Success
We encourage you to review the graphic, which clearly illustrate our students’ growth. These charts show:
- The shift in student achievement bands from Year 3 (2023) to Year 5 (2025)
- The reduction in students needing attention
- The increase in students performing at strong and exceeding levels
Thank You!
This progress is a shared achievement. Thank you to our teachers for their dedication, our families for their ongoing support, and our students for their hard work and commitment to learning.
Together, we are building a culture of excellence and continuous growth at St Raphael's School.
Families, friends, and extended family are warmly invited to celebrate all things Italian with us on July 3rd from 8:30 AM in the school piazza!
Start your morning with a delicious coffee and enjoy a vibrant day filled with Italian culture, including:
Assembly at 9:10am for our families, followed by a Costume Parade. Students will then participate in a full day of Italian activities and experiences.
Fun Italian-themed activities for students and families
Dress up in the colors of the Italian flag - green, white, or red - or get creative with costumes like Mario Bros, Pinocchio, pizza slice, chef, gondolier driver, gelato seller, soccer ball, or meatball!
Bring your loved ones and come join the divertimento [fun]! Let’s make this a memorable celebration of Italian culture together!
St Raphael’s School invites you to join an exciting week of maths fun and learning!
Following the success of our Reading Revolution, we present The Maths Movement – Real World Maths Unleashed, a week-long celebration from September 15–19 featuring a Numbers Tournament for students, plus a special free parent workshop on Wednesday, September 17, 6:00–7:30pm: Raising Everyday Mathletes with Real World Maths.
Why Attend?
- Break free from math anxiety and the myth of being “bad at maths.”
- Discover how maths is part of video games, music, sports, and reading.
- Gain practical tips to support your child’s maths learning at home.
- Empower your family with real-world numeracy skills.
Parent Workshop Panelists:
- Representative, Primary Mathematics SA Professional Development – expert in practical, accessible maths education for families.
- Mark Feetham, Maths Specialist, – passionate about growth mindset and making maths enjoyable.
- Tim Budenberg, President, Mathematical Association of South Australia – advocate for inclusive, relevant maths learning.
Key Topics:
- Everyday numeracy and literacy
- Debunking “good at maths” vs. “bad at maths” myths
- Positive maths talk and real-life applications
This event is free and open to all adults with children in their care. Children are welcome to join the family-friendly evening.
“We’re here to prove that everyone is a mathematician,” says Principal Emma Fowler.
Register now via our online form to secure your spot and discover the mathematician within you!
St Raphael’s School is delighted to offer our community a limited number of FREE passes to the inspiring Stronger Families: A Positive Parenting Conference!
Date: August 16, 2025
Venue: The Sanctuary, Adelaide Zoo, 1 Plane Tree Drive
Time: 9:00am Registration | 9:30am–3:00pm
Light lunch included
This one-day event brings together Australia’s top parenting experts to share practical strategies for supporting children and teens:
✨ Maggie Dent – Calming Teen Stress & Anxiety
✨ Wayne Holdsworth – Start a Conversation Now
✨ Greg Attwells – You Can’t Out-Parent an Algorithm
✨ Madhavi Nawana Parker – Self Regulation: How to Stay Connected, Calm & Influential in Your Child’s Life
Tickets are valued at $25 each, but you could WIN a double pass for FREE!
👉 How to Enter:
Simply complete the entry form on our website for your chance to win: St Raphael’s School | Stronger Families: A Positive Parenting Conference competition.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable parenting insights and connect with other families. Good luck!
This July, we’re excited to join Unley Council for National Schools Tree Day 2025! On Friday, July 25th, our school will be planting three new trees to celebrate this special occasion.
Planting trees is a simple yet powerful way to keep our school and community leafy, green, and cool. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with nature and engage in environmental learning.
Why plant in winter?
- Winter is the perfect time for planting:
- Cooler temperatures mean less stress on young plants.
- Winter rains reduce the need for extra watering.
How You Can Help at Home
Add local native plants to your garden and create habitat at home. Find tips and resources at Green Adelaide’s gardening page.
Increase canopy cover in our community by planting a tree in your garden or caring for existing trees. Did you know the City of Unley offers grant funding for the maintenance of significant and regulated trees?
Encourage your kids to connect with nature this winter! Nature Play SA has lots of fun ideas for families at Nature Play SA Families.
Let’s work together to make our school and community greener for generations to come!
When: Friday, August 15
Time: 6:30 PM
Where: 110-114 Glen Osmond Road, Parkside
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of trivia, entertainment, and fantastic prizes! Enjoy delicious wine and nibbles platters available to purchase on the night — or bring your own treats!
Theme: Roaring 20’s
Tickets: $15 each or $100 for a table of 10
Secure your spot now via the free Qkr! app:
Download Qkr!
Search for St Raphael’s School
Purchase your tickets in just a few taps!
Don’t miss out on a night of fun and friendly competition — see you there! 🥳📚🍷
Presenting: The Addams Family
We are thrilled to invite you to St Raphael’s School’s 2025 musical production, The Addams Family! Join us for a spectacular showcase of student talent, creativity, and fun. There will be two performances for families and friends to enjoy:
Matinee Performance
Date: Thursday, 4 September 2025
Venue: School Hall
Hall Doors Open: 12:00pm
Show Commences: 12:10pm
Estimated Conclusion: 12:45pm
Audience Q&A: 12:45pm – 1:00pm
Evening Performance
Date: Friday, 5 September 2025
Venue: School Hall & Courtyard
Pre-Show Drinks & Nibbles (Courtyard): From 5:00pm
Hall Doors Open: 6:15pm (opened by our “waiter” characters!)
Show Commences: 6:30pm
Estimated Finish: 7:30pm
Additional Information:
- The courtyard will be open for pre-show refreshments before the Friday evening performance.
- Both shows will be held in the school hall.
- Please arrive promptly to ensure a smooth start.
- There will be a short Q&A session with the cast after the Thursday matinee.
We look forward to seeing you at this unmissable school event!
Stay tuned for ticketing information and further updates.
Pupil Free Day
Date: Monday, 21 July 2025
Please note that there will be a Pupil Free Day on Monday, 21 July. Students are not required to attend school on this day.
OSHC will be open on this day and is currently taking bookings.
Term 3 Commencement
Date: Tuesday, 22 July 2025
Location: St Raphael’s School, 114 Glen Osmond Rd, Parkside, SA 5063
We look forward to welcoming all students back for the start of Term 3 on Tuesday, 22 July. Please ensure your child arrives on time, ready for another exciting term of learning!
For more information, please visit our school website or contact the front office.
Upcoming Events
Join Us for Italian Day
Families, friends, and extended family are warmly invited to celebrate all things Italian with us on July 3rd from 8:30 AM in the school piazza!
Start your morning with a delicious coffee and enjoy a vibrant day filled with Italian culture, including:
Assembly at 9:10am for our families, followed by a Costume Parade. Students will then participate in a full day of Italian activities and experiences.
Fun Italian-themed activities for students and families
Dress up in the colors of the Italian flag - green, white, or red - or get creative with costumes like Mario Bros, Pinocchio, pizza slice, chef, gondolier driver, gelato seller, soccer ball, or meatball!
Special lunch orders of Pizza and Gelato will be available for pre-purchase on QKR before the event.
Bring your loved ones and come join the divertimento [fun]! Let’s make this a memorable celebration of Italian culture together!
100 days of school for Reception to Year 2
Pupil Free Day
Term 3 Commences
SACPASSA Cross Country
Bullying No Way Week
Book Week
Book Week Parade
St Raphael’s School to Unveil a PEACE POLE in Partnership with Unley Rotary Club
St Raphael’s School is delighted and proud to announce that we will soon be the home of a Peace Pole, kindly provided through the support of the Unley Rotary Club. This special project reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering peace, unity, and understanding—values that resonate both within our school community and far beyond.
What is a Peace Pole?
A Peace Pole is an internationally recognised symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family, standing vigil in silent prayer for peace on earth. There are tens of thousands of Peace Poles in nearly every country worldwide, each bearing the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in different languages. Our Peace Pole will connect St Raphael’s not only to local places—such as the Kaurna land on which we stand—but also to international communities, reminding us that peace is a universal language that brings us all together as one.
Our Peace Pole’s Unique Connection
Our Peace Pole will feature four languages that reflect both our local heritage and our school’s diverse community:
- English (front)
- Kaurna (side)
- Mandarin (back)
- Italian (side)
The pole will also display its unique number and sponsor details, proudly linking us to the global network of Peace Poles and to our friends at Unley Rotary. Its location—sheltered between two plants and visible to all who pass along the main pathway—will make it a meaningful landmark for students, staff, and visitors alike.
Unveiling Ceremony
We warmly invite our community to join us for the official unveiling of the Peace Pole on Friday, 19 September 2025 at 10:45am. This event will be held in conjunction with the International Day of Peace (21 September), further emphasising our commitment to building a peaceful world together.
Special thanks to Daniel Burns, APRIM at St Raphael’s, and John Kikkert of Unley Rotary, whose dedication and collaboration have made this project possible.
Together, let us celebrate this powerful symbol and the message it brings: May Peace Prevail on Earth—at St Raphael’s, in our local community, and across the world.
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