The front doors of the St. Raphael Catholic School building.

Photo of Principal Ochnik and Vice Principal Kearney

It is with great joy and anticipation that we welcome you to another year at St. Raphael Catholic School. As we embark on this exciting journey together, we are reminded of the strong foundation of faith, community, and academic excellence that guides our school, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

At St. Raphael Catholic School, we believe that every child is a precious gift from God, and it is our privilege to nurture their growth—spiritually, academically, and emotionally. Guided by our Catholic values and the vision of the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), we are committed to creating an inclusive, caring, and supportive environment where each student can flourish and develop their God-given potential.

Through the pillars of Faith, Excellence, and Equity, we strive to cultivate a learning community where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their best. We will continue to focus on fostering a love for learning, while encouraging each child to live out the virtues of kindness, empathy, and responsibility in their everyday lives.

This year, in alignment with the TCDSB’s Pastoral Plan Focus for Year 1, we are embracing the theme of "Growing in Knowledge". Our school community will continue to deepen our understanding of the world around us while also growing in our relationship with God. We believe that education is a lifelong journey, and we are committed to fostering a love for learning that integrates academic achievement with spiritual growth. As we encourage students to pursue excellence in their studies, we also remind them that true wisdom comes from God, and that knowledge must be used to serve others and build a better world.

We are also blessed to work in close partnership with St. Philip Neri Parish. Together, we support the spiritual growth of our students, families, and staff, providing opportunities for prayer, reflection, and participation in the sacraments at the church. Our connection with the parish strengthens the foundation of our Catholic identity and enriches the faith life of our school community.

Our mission is to form a partnership with you, our families, as we work together in guiding your children on their academic and spiritual journey. We encourage you to be actively involved in our school community, sharing your gifts, talents, and experiences, so that we can all grow together in the love of Christ.

As we begin this school year, we invite you to join us in prayer, reflection, and celebration as we continue to build a school that mirrors the values of our Catholic faith. Let us keep the light of Christ shining brightly in all we do and say.

We look forward to a blessed year of learning, growth, and collaboration. May God bless each of you, your families, and our entire school community.

Yours in partnership,
M. Ochnik, Principal & J. Kearney, Vice Principal