In a weekend-long fiesta of celebrations the school and local community enjoyed three wonderful events, all held in the Mother Scholastica Learning Centre.

Each event honoured Mother Scholastica (Sr Christina Cullen) herself with the involvement of members of her family and reminiscences shared by former students and colleagues of the late teacher whose name the new building carries.

The celebrations began with a cocktail party catered for by the school's Hospitality students.

This event was attended by Friends of St Raphael's, members of the Cullen family, parents of students, staff members, ex-students and visitors.

The evening was great fun and the celebrating was full of laughter, memories and enjoyment in the new space which became a party zone for a few hours.

Of special note was the history display of photographs which prompted many more stories and connections.

The following evening saw the building reconfigured as a beautiful dining space.

Again the food was masterfully catered by the VET Hospitality students under the expert guidance of Mrs Peta Bischof and was of exceptional quality.

Special guests for the evening included representatives of the Brigidine nuns and the Cullen family, Fr Paul Devitt representing Bishop Michael McKenna, Mrs Jenny Allen (Executive Director of Bathurst Diocesan Education), Fr Laurie Beath, the builder Peter O'Brien, members of St Raphael's staff, members of the Parish Finance Committee and Pastoral Council, friends and former staff members, all of whom were welcomed by Principal Mr Michael Gallagher.

The following morning was the culmination of the opening events beginning with Mass in St Raphael's Church and followed by the official opening and blessing of the new building.

Students and parishioners combined to form the choir and musical accompaniment for the impressive liturgy concelebrated by Fr Paul and Fr Laurie.

Our special guests were again in attendance as well as new Local Member Michael McCormack who officiated at the opening on behalf of the Federal Government.

The whole weekend was testament to the spirit of belief in education at St Raphael's and a wonderful example of shared community celebration.

The opening of the Mother Scholastica Learning Centre sees the school embrace Stage 6 studies for students in Years 11 and 12 in a vibrant 21st century educational space which will allow for a variety of learning experiences and styles for all students and staff at the school.

St Raphael's Catholic School is unique in Cowra's education choices in that it now can educate a student for the entire length of their schooling K-12.

This is a remarkable milestone in the story of the school which began in the 1860's providing Catholic education for the families of the newly settled town on the banks of the Lachlan River.

The school was staffed firstly by lay teachers; then by the Josephite nuns. 

This was followed by the Brigidine nuns for over 100 years and now by dedicated and highly professional lay teachers.

In providing Stage 6, the school offers a wide range of subjects including:

Small class sizes guarantee students receive individual learning suited to their particular strengths and needs.

The growth of the school and the completion of the new building now sees the focus on a refurbishment begin in the Primary and Infants classrooms.

St Raphael's School where education innovation and care for the individual continues an important tradition in Cowra.