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, harmonizing tradition with innovation. Our outdoor areas have also blossomed into dynamic environments, featuring engaging sand pits, adventurous playgrounds, a serene bamboo forest, and thriving gardens filled with native plants and seasonal fruits—inviting students to explore and learn in nature.
Currently, St. Raphael’s is home to approximately 290 enthusiastic students, from Foundation/Prep through Year 6. We pride ourselves on delivering evidence-based learning models that align with the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools’ goals of excellence and equity for all through the Vision of Instruction. Every child is at the heart of our educational approach, ensuring that their unique needs and potential are nurtured through tailored instruction and assessment.
At St. Raphael’s, our strong sense of community fosters meaningful partnerships among home, school, and parish. While we primarily welcome Catholic families, our Parish Priest, Fr. Greg Pritchard, and our Assistant Priest, Fr. Aurelio Fragapane warmly embraces children of all faiths, reflecting our inclusive spirit. Our Catholic ethos is woven into the fabric of daily life here, where we create a safe and nurturing environment that emphasizes 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, 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-tired Systems of Support, combined with high-impact, evidence-based teaching practices, ensure that every student receives the requied attention and support every student needs 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 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 lessons in Piano, Drums, Guitar, and Singing 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.
Grant us the strength and courage to become better followers of Jesus: to be disciples and to live the Christian Way of Life.