Articles

About School

St. Raphael's School presently enjoying a prestigious position had a very humble beginning. Way back in 1928, it was born in the parochial shed of the Red Church (the Catholic Church at Indore), with a total strength of just four children and a young girl as their teacher. The first student enrolled was Master S.C.Dube who became an IAS officer and was appointed as the Chairman of the City Improvement Trust, Indore.

The school is the dream child of the Franciscan priest Fr.Raphael, whose cherished desire was transformed into a reality only after him. The name ‘St.Raphael’s School’gives reminiscences of Fr. Raphael OFM Cap; the parish priest of Indore from 1912 – 1927.

The building was ready within six months and finally , in the beginning of 1929, St. Raphael’s Primary School was set up on its own premises, with two teachers Miss. P.Ludiner an Italian and Miss. Annie Emmanuel an Indian. The two teachers worked diligently for the school in the initial stages. The school welcomed the children from all sections of the society – regardless of status, caste or creed. Highly impressed by the school, Mr. Chatterji, the Inspector General of Schools granted an immediate state recognition to the institution.

Sister Vincent SMA, an excellent teacher was appointed as the academic in-charge from 1931-1936. With her efforts the school was put on a firm footing. The Government granted subsidies for the expansion of the school; and by 1932 the strength rose to 90.

In 1932, the administration of the school was handed over to the Divine Word Missionaries known as the SVD Society. Fr. George Proksch, a great admirer of Indian Culture and a staunch patron of Indian art and music was the first Principal of the school. He constructed a hall for the Primary section with a view to conduct ballets based on Biblical stories and events. One of the prominent dance teachers of that time was Miss Naju Godrej.