Headquarters:
110-114 Glen Osmond Rd
Year founded:
1889
Number of employees:
30
Phone:
8274 4900
Email:
efowler@raph.catholic.edu.au
Website:
raph.catholic.edu.au
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/school/hills-grammar
“We put our customers at the centre of our business, responding to brokers in a proactive and timely manner and working with the customer to understand their unique risk profile and tailor appropriate solutions”
Erica Kofie, QBE
Emma Fowler
Principal
Anthony Sicari
Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning Diversity
Daniel Burns
Assistant Principal, Religious Identity and Mission
Leadership
In an education landscape where the child can be overlooked, Emma Fowler is a beacon of child-centred learning. Inspired by her great-great-grandmother Annie Brice, who was taught by Mary MacKillop, she believes every child deserves quality education and to be truly seen. She finds joy in their smiles, viewing the world through their eyes, and ensures their wellbeing is always prioritised. Future-focused and inclusive, she champions access for all, regardless of background. Fowler’s leadership reflects a deep, personal legacy and an unwavering commitment to nurturing every child’s potential, reminding us that education begins – and ends – with the child.
Principal
Emma Fowler
Anthony Sicari has been a valued member of the St Raphael’s School community for over seven years, with teaching experience across Years 4, 5 and 6. For the past two years, he has served as assistant principal, leader of learning, and learning diversity leader. In these roles, Sicari works closely with staff to promote high-quality teaching and ensure all students access an inclusive and engaging education. He is passionate about building strong partnerships with families, supporting staff development and fostering a positive learning environment. Sicari remains committed to the ongoing growth and success of every learner at St Raphael’s.
Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning Diversity
Anthony Sicari
With over 20 years of experience in Catholic education across six schools in South Australia, Daniel Burns currently serves as the assistant principal, religious identity and mission (APRIM) at St Raphael’s School. His professional journey reflects a deep commitment to nurturing the spiritual, academic, and personal growth of young learners. Burns is passionate about instilling strong values, positive work habits and a sense of social responsibility in students, helping to shape confident, compassionate and mindful young Australians. Guided by faith and a love of learning, he is dedicated to fostering inclusive, values-driven school communities where every child is supported to grow in faith, knowledge and character.
Assistant Principal, Religious Identity and Mission
Daniel Burns
“We put our customers at the centre of our business, responding to brokers in a proactive and timely manner and working with the customer to understand their unique risk profile and tailor appropriate solutions”
Erica Kofie, QBE
“We continue to see cyber as a key opportunity and will be further developing customer-centric solutions across various geographies and segments in line with our growth aspirations”
Erica Kofie, QBE
Leadership
“We continue to see cyber as a key opportunity and will be further developing customer-centric solutions across various geographies and segments in line with our growth aspirations”
Erica Kofie, QBE
“We put our customers at the centre of our business, responding to brokers in a proactive and timely manner and working with the customer to understand their unique risk profile and tailor appropriate solutions”
Erica Kofie, QBE
Leadership
Geoff Gates
Director of Learning and Teaching
As the director of learning and teaching from pre-K to 12, Geoff Gates works closely with the heads of ECEC, junior school and senior school to ensure a high-quality curriculum is in place across the school. He also works closely with both curriculum leaders and teachers on projects such as cultures of thinking and deep learning, where the aim is to develop innovative, 21st-century approaches to learning and teaching.
Gates started teaching at Hills Grammar in 2004. Prior to Hills, he worked in Sydney, London and Hamburg and has taught HSC, GCSE, IGCSE and IB diploma courses. His past leadership roles have included literacy coordinator, student services coordinator, and head of English. He has presented at education and university conferences on pedagogy, literature and creative writing practice.
Gates completed a Master of Arts (Creative Writing) in 2007, a Master of Education (Leadership) in 2013 and a Doctor of Creative Arts degree in 2023. He is the author of two novels and has written for both professional publications and literary journals.
Director of Learning and Teaching
Geoff Gates
Yass Sidaros
Director of Co-curricular Programs
Yass Sidaros has spent over 16 years at Hills Grammar, which has enabled him to see that what works for one student may be different for another. In his role as the director of the co-curricular program, he oversees the operation and strategic development of the school's co-curricular program, ensuring it is able to maximise the opportunities for all students in their areas of interest. The program has six core areas, including music, leadership and service, sport, outdoor education, STEM and the creative, spoken and performing arts.
Director of Co-curricular Programs
Yass Sidaros
Opened in 1889, St. Raphael’s School in Parkside is a vibrant, welcoming community where every child’s journey is celebrated and nurtured. In a city renowned for its outstanding schools, it stands out by offering a truly personalised, child-centred approach – one that recognises the unique spark in every learner and partners closely with families to help children flourish.
At St. Raphael’s, education is never one-size-fits-all. Its dedicated team, including award-winning teachers, caring admin staff, social workers, therapists and specialists, works hand in hand with families to create a dynamic three-way partnership. This ensures each child receives tailored support, expert guidance and the encouragement to grow confidently towards a bright, inspired future.
The school creates a cocoon of support and possibility. Sensory-rich spaces invite students to take intellectual risks, build resilience and discover their passions. Life skills and leadership are woven into every year level, empowering children to become capable, compassionate contributors both inside and outside the classroom.
St. Raphael’s is also a hub for unique experiences. Its Cultural Immersion Program welcomes international students at all year levels, while intergenerational buddy classes connect children with local kindergartens and nursing homes, fostering empathy, curiosity and a sense of belonging. This holistic approach means that every child’s journey is as distinctive as their potential.
The school believes in the power of community. Its signature events such as the Cultural Connections Fair, Reading Revolution, Maths Movement and end-of-year celebrations bring families and the wider community together, making St. Raphael’s a true centre of learning and joy.
From specialised programs in PE, performing arts, music, languages, science and technology to a wide range of lunchtime clubs, after-school sports and extended transition programs, there’s something for every child to explore and excel in at St. Raphael’s.
The school invites you to discover what makes it so special. Book a tour, meet its passionate team and see how St. Raphael’s can help your child grow in confidence, creativity and happiness. The school can’t wait to welcome you into its community.
“We continue to see cyber as a key opportunity and will be further developing customer-centric solutions across various geographies and segments in line with our growth aspirations”
Erica Kofie, QBE
Christine Furner
Director of Professional Learning
Lily Ng
Director of Business Operations
Claire Napoli
Director of Advancement and Engagement
Adam Wollins
Director of ICT
Chris Furner has held a number of teaching and leadership positions across state and independent schools. A career highlight has been the completion of a PhD on how to boost teacher learning across all career stages as a means to improve practice and accelerate student learning outcomes. She enjoys developing whole-school staff development initiatives and professional learning programs that inspire and encourage teachers and leaders and coaching them towards “outstanding teaching”.
Director of Professional Learning
Christine Furner
As a seasoned business manager of independent schools for over 15 years, Lily Ng brings to Hills Grammar her vast experience and in-depth knowledge in the commercial management of independent schools as successful businesses.
Ng is acutely aware that independent schools have all the fiduciary, financial, risk management and governance duties legally required by businesses. She expects and delivers the very best management and conduct with the highest integrity, with the best interests of Hills Grammar as her central focus.
Director of Business Operations
Lily Ng
As the director of advancement and engagement, Claire Napoli’s role encompasses internal and external communications, enrolment, branding, school events, community relations, alumni, archiving and reception. She has a degree in business and over 20 years of marketing and business development experience. Napoli started her career in public relations and event management before moving into marketing and business development roles in the professional services sector, particularly corporate law firms.
Director of Advancement and Engagement
Claire Napoli
Adam Wollins joined Hills Grammar in July 2023. He has over 20 years of experience in the education sector, including in schools, TAFEs, universities and the NSW Department of Education. He has a proven track record in the effective creation, development and leadership of high-performing ICT transformational and operational support teams.
Director of ICT
Adam Wollins
Adam Wollins joined Hills Grammar in July 2023. He has over 20 years of experience in the education sector, including in schools, TAFEs, universities and the NSW Department of Education. He has a proven track record in the effective creation, development and leadership of high-performing ICT transformational and operational support teams.
Director of ICT
Adam Wollins
Adam Wollins joined Hills Grammar in July 2023. He has over 20 years of experience in the education sector, including in schools, TAFEs, universities and the NSW Department of Education. He has a proven track record in the effective creation, development and leadership of high-performing ICT transformational and operational support teams.
Director of ICT
Adam Wollins
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Turnaround time – claims
Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance
Brokers’ Pick – Professional liability
Small business
Professional Teachers’ Council Professional Service award and the Rising Stars 2024 award
staff recognised as The Educator’s Most Influential Educators
speaking at numerous national and international conferences
30 staff presented at the in-house Professional Learning program delivered within the Hills Grammar The Learning Centre
partnering with the NSW Teacher Guild to provide professional learning to regional and remote teachers
“As a school, we celebrate the contribution our staff are making both in the school and beyond in the broader educational community,” says Yager.