February 3, 2025

Dear St. Raphael Families,

Mark your calendars! The Global Day of School Play is approaching on Wednesday, February 7. On this day, we encourage students to bring in toys, games, sports equipment, and anything that sparks their imagination. However, we kindly request that items with screens or batteries be left at home to fully embrace the essence of unstructured play.

What is unstructured play?

Unstructured play is a magical time where children engage in activities they dream up on their own, without adult intervention. This type of play allows them to create their own rules and establish their own limits, fostering a myriad of benefits:

• It provides opportunities for children to master elements of the world on their own terms.
• It develops self-determination, self-esteem, and the ability to self-regulate — all vital elements of emotional development.
• It fosters social competence, respect for rules, self-discipline, aggression control, problem solving skills, leadership development, conflict resolution, and playing by the rules.
• It stimulates the senses and allows children to discover the different textures and elements in the world.
• It provides fertile ground to cultivate creativity and imagination.
• It enhances cognitive understandings.
• It builds strength, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness and moderates childhood obesity and its associated health complications.
• It sees boredom as a vehicle for children to create their own happiness, enhance inventiveness, and develop self-reliance.

We're excited to see our students actively participating in this important day of unstructured play!

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening at the Rincon Beach Club as we celebrate our annual auction with the vibrant theme of Rio Carnivál!  This is our second main fundraiser of the year, and it promises to be a night of fun, laughter, and community—all in support of our amazing school.

 Tickets are available now—click here to reserve yours!

We’re asking each family to fulfill their commitment by contributing $300 or the equivalent in gift cards or services. Now’s the perfect time to ask your favorite nail salon, barber, restaurant, or local shop to support our school.

Thank you for being an integral part of our St. Raphael School family. Let's make these upcoming events memorable, filled with joy, laughter, and a strong sense of community!

Important Dates:

January 27-31: Catholic Schools Week

January 28: Mass at Bishop High School

February 5: Global Day of School Play

February 10: Jeans for Jesus

February 14: No School for Teacher In-Service

February 17: No School for Presidents’ Day

In Mary’s Love,

Ms. Michelle Limb, Principal 

A Prayer for Our School
 God, our Father and Creator, be with us in our school. Help us to treasure Your gift of life and treat one another with care. Let us always remember that we are all created in Your image.  Come, Lord Jesus, and be with us in our school.   Guide our teachers, guide our parents, and lead our students to recognize You in all people.  Come, Holy Spirit, and be with us in our school.   Give us a vision for the future, and the determination for shaping a faith-filled future.
 Amen