This article is sponsored by St. Raphael’s School
As schools across Australia grapple with the rise of screen time and its impact on literacy and attention, one primary school in suburban Adelaide is showing the country what a local partnership solution looks like.
St Raphael’s School in Parkside is leading a literacy renaissance – grounded in research, involving families and driven by collaboration. Its award-winning initiative, the Reading Revolution, is more than a themed week of reading; it’s a whole-school movement challenging the digital dominance in children’s lives and delivering measurable results in early literacy.
A bold response to screen overload
Launched in response to growing concern among educators and families about the effects of excessive screen use, the Reading Revolution was designed as an immersive antidote. Over a week in June, the school transforms into a celebration of books and storytelling – with a rich program of events including a read-a-thon, themed literacy spaces, author visits and a literacy panel featuring experts in phonics and reading development.
The key reasons it resonates are:
- evidence-based impact: bridges early learning and primary education, directly supporting improved literacy outcomes and student wellbeing
- family and community engagement: uniting educators, parents and local partners, it fosters a culture where reading is celebrated as a lifelong skill
- practical strategies: equips parents with age-appropriate tools to support their child’s reading journey at home
Principal Emma Fowler explains, “The Reading Revolution is more than an event; it’s a movement to reclaim reading as the cornerstone of wellbeing and intellectual growth. Immersing yourself in a book isn’t just an escape – it’s an investment in your mind, your creativity and your future.”
With breakout sessions equipping parents with age-appropriate literacy strategies and children participating in themed reading challenges, the event repositions reading as a joyful, shared experience – one that families actively participate in.
Impact that speaks volumes
The numbers behind the Reading Revolution tell a compelling story of success:
- 100% of families engaged in Reading Revolution Week in both 2024 and 2025.
- 100% of Year 1 students met or exceeded benchmarks in the 2024 Phonics Screening Check.
- The 2024 Literacy Panel attracted a broad audience, including families, local kindergartens and wider community members.
- In 2025, the program received two major awards – the Unley Council’s Community Event of the Year and the CESA Innovative Programme Award.
These results underline how blending evidence-based literacy practices with inclusive community outreach can yield impressive academic outcomes while also strengthening school-family relationships.
A model for best practice in literacy and engagement
Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) has hailed the program as “a shining example of contemporary innovation in Catholic education” and praised its ability to unite. “Educators, families and children in a shared mission, the program has achieved a meaningful and lasting impact”.
St Raphael’s marketing and communications lead Katrina Tucker says, “Our school’s approach is deeply personalised, and the Reading Revolution reflects that. By bringing together students, families and literacy experts, we’re building a community where every child can discover the joy and power of reading.”
The St Raphael’s difference
The Reading Revolution is just one example of the school’s broader educational philosophy. Nestled in a highly competitive educational precinct, the school offers a personalised, holistic model of learning with strong family partnerships at its core.
Key features that support its success include:
- tailored learning journeys: each student’s pathway is personalised, with staff working closely with families to ensure progress and support.
- sensory-rich and inclusive environments: flexible, engaging spaces encourage risk-taking, exploration and resilience.
- whole-child wellbeing: access to social workers, therapists and specialists ensures no child’s needs go unmet.
- award-winning staff: recognised for their innovation and commitment to evidence-based practice.
A blueprint for educational innovation
For schools across Australia seeking practical strategies to boost literacy and engage families, the Reading Revolution offers a proven model. It tackles contemporary challenges head-on, and its replicable, scalable format – combined with community buy-in – makes it a standout in today’s educational landscape.
Principal Fowler adds, “We’re here to show families that books are the antidote to screen addiction.”
To find out more, go to raph.catholic.edu.au.