Principal’s Message
Congratulations! You have taken the first step in becoming a part of this wonderful community. As Principal, I am privileged to lead this school toward educational excellence where every student is encouraged to Strive, Learn, and Grow Together. We are extremely blessed to have highly professional and nurturing educators committed to delivering flexible, creative learning experiences that allow students to be critical thinkers, effective communicators and collaborative problem-solvers.
Our school is nestled in South Hurstville and focuses on providing students with rich, authentic learning experiences as they mature into good citizens who will be able to make a positive contribution to society. We are a well-resourced school both in the classroom and on the playground and I believe that it is my responsibility to ensure every student deserves the best educational opportunities that we can provide.
As principal, my leadership is underpinned by three key values: Relationships, Presence and Empowerment. I commit to developing authentic relationships with staff, parents and students to build a collaborative community that is focused on improving students’ learning and wellbeing. I commit to being present to all those that I lead. I will actively listen to others, communicate clearly, acknowledge others’ points of view, and show empathy. I also commit to empowering others to be the best people that they can be so they can make a positive difference in the world.
I encourage you to come and see how we continue to be messagers of Hope and Healing in our world.
Mark Abad
St Raphael’s Primary School began with the arrival of four Sisters of Charity in 1929. The school expanded in the sixties and early seventies and new classrooms were built. By 1990, all the buildings were in a state of disrepair and a submission was made to the Federal Government for assistance to refurbish the original building and erect three new classrooms, administration and staff facilities. The new St Raphael’s was officially opened and blessed by Cardinal Clancy on Sunday, 10 March 1996.
In asserting our 2010 vision for Catholic education, it was fitting to build on the firm foundations laid by the Sisters of Charity who staffed the school from 1929 to 1974 and the many lay teachers who worked with them in sharing the ‘Good News’ and providing a sound education for the children of St Raphael’s.
The current school is a single-stream co-educational school from Kindergarten to Year 6. The students come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. We aim to give children a sound understanding of our Catholic doctrine, tradition and Gospel values and emphasise the importance of living these out in our daily lives.
We encourage and value parent involvement in all aspects of school life and promote partnership between home and school to ensure that students feel safe, supported and secure in their school setting.
Vision
“For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them.” – Matthew 18:20
Aspire and make a difference by learning, growing, working, together as disciples of Jesus to make our school, our community and our world a better place.
Mission
As a Catholic school we are inspired by St Raphael and the charism of the Sisters of Charity. We believe we are called to live in a spirit of harmony committed to be messengers of hope and healing in our world.
We welcome opportunities to unite our community in a common vision with the involvement and partnership of parents, parish and the wider community.
Values
Strive: As followers of Jesus, we are messengers of healing, hope and harmony willing to strive and make a difference in our school and wider communities.
Learn: We encourage a love of learning and foster a supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to be the best learner they can be.
Grow: We nurture the growth of all students to achieve their full potential. In partnership with the community, we provide opportunities for our students to grow spiritually, socially, academically and emotionally so that we can make a difference.
Together: Together we strive to ensure every person is valued, nurtured and supported.
St Raphael’s Parish
A: 82 George Street, South Hurstville, NSW 2221
P: 02 9546 2605 | 02 9546 2544
E: admin@materdei-straphael.org.au
W: materdei-straphael.org.au
Parish Priest: Father Isidore Anantharaj
Pastoral Associate: Br Ben Krupowicz
Mass Times
- Tuesday–Thursday: 9.15am
- Friday: 9am
- Saturday: 5pm
- Sunday: 8.30am