2020 marks 150 years since the beginning of Catholic schooling in Cowra.
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For St Raphael's in Cowra the next 12 months is about acknowledging the school's past and looking forward to leaving a legacy for the future.
Looking back...
As the school celebrates its sesquicentenary this year it looks back at some of its history.
A brick school was erected in Kendal Street in 1905.
It was furnished with desks donated by the parishioners - it also served as an entertainment hall for parish functions.
In 1924 more school buildings were built at a cost of £5000.
The new building was opened in 1925 by Bishop O'Farrell and was described as "magnificent, equal to anything in the county".
By the mid-1930 there were 450 pupils enrolled.
Two large staircases at the eastern end of the building led into a spacious room upstairs, fitted with collapsible doors, which enabled the teacher to divide the area into three sections. In 1964 the building was sold to Caltex and the building of the current primary school commenced.
READ MORE: Rapid Relief Team helping those in need
Please contact the school office if you have archival photos and mementos for us to document.
The school will be sharing the St Raphael's story throughout the year as it builds up to the 150th Anniversary /Reunion celebrations on the June long weekend this year (5-7 June).
Watch the Cowra Guardian as we share events and photos related to the 150th anniversary.
