As literacy rates fall nationwide, St Raphael’s School is tackling the crisis head-on, combining science-backed teaching with community spirit to raise passionate, confident young readers. Principal Emma Fowler explains.

In 2024, NAPLAN results showed that one in three Australian children are not reaching reading or writing standards. In your opinion, what is contributing to this?

There are several interwoven factors. The benchmark for proficiency has been raised nationally, meaning more is now expected of our students to be considered ‘at standard’. While this aims to lift academic outcomes long term, it has temporarily resulted in fewer students meeting the new expectations.

Alongside this, our children are growing up in a hyper-connected world dominated by screens, and fewer children are reading for fun. This is further compounded by less face-to-face conversation, which is reducing the rich, language-filled experiences that support early literacy development. At St Raphael’s, we are responding to these issues head-on by ensuring our children listen to adults read to them daily. This exposure immerses children in literature.

How does St Raphael’s address these challenges in the classroom?

Our literacy approach is evidence-based and child-centred. We use multi-sensory programs aligned with the Science of Reading. Our teachers use diagnostic tools to identify each student’s “stretch zone”–the level at which they’re challenged but still able to succeed. This enables us to guide students in choosing appropriately challenging books.

What is the Science of Reading and how does it shape the classroom experience?

The Science of Reading is a comprehensive body of research that integrates findings from education, linguistics, psychology and neuroscience. It tells us how children best learn to read and we bring these insights to life in our classrooms. Students receive explicit instruction in foundational skills and learn to understand words deeply. We use decodable texts, multi-sensory activities and assessments to support every child. Ultimately, our goal is to nurture passionate, confident readers who carry a love of reading throughout their lives.

How else does the school environment encourage reading?

Literacy at St Raphael’s is a living, breathing part of school life. We have a special reading tree–a calm place for children to lose themselves in a good book; we share stories with the residents of StLouis Nursing Care facility; and we have a book club for our playgroup families. Events like our award-winning Reading Revolution also bring the whole community together around literacy.

The Reading Revolution takes place this June 17. Why has it captured such attention?

The Reading Revolution is a school highlight. Now in its second year, it has earned two major awards: the Australia Day Community Event of the Year Award and the Innovative Program of theYear award from Catholic Education South Australia. The initiative includes expert panels, engaging workshops and a read-a-thon that encourages children to set personal goals and celebrate progress.It also equips parents with practical tools for supporting literacy at home, [bridging] school and family life. We also invite local kindergartens and ELCs to be involved. Families leave feeling inspired, connected and more confident in their role as reading champions.

What can parents do to foster a love of reading at home?

There are many ways for parents to support reading! Daily reading and open-ended questions about books spark curiosity and make it a regular activity in their routine. It also helps to visit libraries and bookshops!

What does being a lifelong reader offer a person?

Reading helps us understand ourselves and others. It keeps curiosity alive and opens doors to opportunity. It brings academic benefits, builds empathy, confidence and resilience. At St Raphael’s, we’re committed to ensuring every child learns to love reading. It’s part of our promise: a bright and inspired future for every student.

St Raphael’s School
110-114 Glen Osmond Road, Parkside
08 8274 4900
raph.catholic.edu.au