St. Raphael Catholic School (elementary--Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8)

3 Gade Drive, North York, Ontario M3M 2K2

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History & Tradition

St. Raphael Catholic School was built in 1962 and opened in September of that year with a total enrollment of 347 students coming from St. Philip Neri and St. Charles Catholic Schools. The first principal was Mr. William Crosan.

In the fall of 1966 the construction of the first addition was begun, with its completion in February of 1967. On March 5, 1967 the school was officially blessed by Very Rev. P.H. Johnson, the then vice-chairman of the Metropolitan Separate School Board (now the Toronto Catholic District School Board).

The school is named after the Archangel Raphael which in Hebrew means “God has healed”. St. Raphael is the angel of healing of the sick. We learn in the Book of Tobit how God sends Raphael to an old man named Tobias to cure him of an eye disease which had caused his blindness.

St. Raphael is also considered the patron of travelers. When the elderly Tobias wanted to collect a debt he sent his son, also named Tobias, on a long journey to get the money. It is Raphael, disguised as a human being, who acts as a guide for the young Tobias, steering him clear of all dangers on the journey. For instance, at one point in their travels, a huge fish attacks Tobias. However, he follows the advice of his guide Raphael, grasps the fish and takes out its heart, gall and liver. These are later used as a medicine to cure the blindness of the elderly Tobias.

St. Raphael is also the patron of young people. Raphael arranged a meeting between young Tobias and Sarah who were later married.

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

A Catholic environment is ensured through regular liturgical and paraliturgical celebrations, prayer over the public address system as well as in the classrooms, structured religious education program, weekly visits by priests from St. Philip Neri Church, living rosary, statue of Mary in the main hall and prayer corner in the classrooms.

Safety is of paramount importance at the school. Supervision is provided from 8:00 a.m. in the school yard; the teachers supervise and monitor the exit and entrance of the students to/from the school. Students are reminded to play safely and this is reinforced through divisional assemblies as well as periodic announcements over the P.A. system. Parents and students are given a handbook in which a code of behaviour and discipline is outlined.

A safe arrival program is in place at the school. Parents are encouraged to call the school to report a child's absence. Parents are requested to leave their message on the automated telephone answering service. If parents do not call the school, school staff call the parents of children who are absent. Students are not permitted to leave school during school hours unless they have a dated and signed permission note  from their parents, or the parents come to get them. A “sign in and out book” is required to be signed, when a student leaves school during school hours. Emergency procedures are in place and outlined in the family handbook.

Skills for Life Program

The purpose of the program is to stress skills necessary for living. The components include positive self-esteem, security, belonging, conflict resolution skills and goal setting which will enable students to develop responsible and positive ways of coping with problems and situations arising in everyday life. The skills of conflict resolution will enable students to take risks, follow their goals, and resolve conflicts peacefully.

The aspects of this program will be integrated into varied components of the students' curriculum where creative problem-solving and confidence building will be stressed.

Computer Literacy/Technology

The modification of curriculum is based on the individual learning needs of the student. Modifications may include the use of computers in word processing, calculators, remedial assistance, peer tutoring and coaching, individualized programming, oral testing vs. formal written tests, etc.

Educational field trips are an integral part of the school curriculum and every student is encouraged to participate in these “hands-on” experiences. Excursions vary from short walks to the local park to day trips involving public transit or school bus travel to overnight trips. Intermediate students participate in the Board-sponsored outdoor education/community living program.

The use of computers in classrooms is highly emphasized.  Students also have access to the computer lab in our library.

School News

School Learning Plan -- 2007-2008

EQAO Assessment Results

EQAO: