Welcome to St. Raphael’s School, a cherished cornerstone of the West Preston community since its founding in 1936. Nestled in the picturesque northern suburbs of Melbourne, our school has a rich legacy of nurturing young minds within the City of Darebin. Originally established by the Good Samaritan Sisters, St. Raphael’s has gracefully evolved from a primary to secondary school and back again, always dedicated to providing exceptional education to the children of this vibrant community.

Our inviting two-storey building, complemented by a spacious hall, sits on a beautifully maintained one-hectare site along Cooper Street. Thanks to the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution project in 2010, our campus has been thoughtfully expanded and refurbished.

New learning wings and contemporary spaces have been created, harmonising tradition with innovation. Our outdoor areas have also blossomed into dynamic environments. The grounds feature engaging sand pits, adventurous playgrounds, a serene bamboo forest, ball courts and thriving gardens filled with native plants and seasonal produce. These facilities invite students to explore and learn in nature.

St. Raphael’s is currently home to approximately 286 enthusiastic students, from Foundation/Prep level to Year 6. We pride ourselves on delivering evidence-based practices that align with the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools’ Vision for Instruction, promoting excellence and equity for all. Our educational approach centres on every child, ensuring their unique needs and potential are nurtured through tailored instructional learning programs and assessment.

At St. Raphael’s, our strong sense of community fosters meaningful partnerships among home, school, and parish. We primarily welcome Catholic families and warmly embrace children of all faiths, reflecting our inclusive spirit. Our Catholic ethos is woven into the fabric of daily life, where we create a safe and nurturing environment that emphasises shared leadership, collaboration, and respect for the inherent dignity of every individual.

We are dedicated to fostering a positive school culture that inspires every student to flourish socially, emotionally, spiritually and academically. Our committed staff members, highly respected by both students and parents, are passionate about empowering learners to become independent and socially responsible citizens.

Our Multi-tiered Systems of Support, combined with high-impact, evidence-based teaching practices, ensure that every student receives the required attention and support to thrive. We offer targeted intervention and extension programs in Literacy and Mathematics. In addition to our strong focus on the Victorian curriculum, we embrace innovative educational approaches like the Berry Street Educational Model, The Resilience Project, and the Walker Learning Approach, which incorporates play-based and inquiry-based learning.

Students can also engage in a rich array of specialist programs, including Physical Education, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Science, and Italian language studies. For those interested in music, our Instrumental Music Program offers piano, drums, guitar, and singing lessons during school hours.

At St. Raphael’s, we embody the values of Acceptance, Honesty, Trust, and Hope. Our school is a welcoming haven where every community member is valued and respected, fostering positive relationships and a spirit of belonging. Join us in continuing this legacy of love, learning, and community as we inspire the next generation of leaders.