Meet Emma Fowler, the Principal of St Raphael’s School in Parkside. She’s not just an incredible leader — she’s also an Aboriginal Catholic school Principal, which is a huge deal for South Australia.
Emma’s family history is connected to Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first-ever saint and one of the country’s most loved teachers.
Emma’s great-great-grandmother, Annie Brice, was a Boandik woman born near Penola in the 1850s — and guess what? She was taught to read and write by Mary MacKillop herself!
“Mary MacKillop believed every child deserved access to education, no matter their background or circumstance,” says Emma.
That belief changed my great-great-grandmother’s life and continues to inspire me every day as I work to nurture a love of learning in my students.
When Annie was just 11 years old, she started learning with Mary MacKillop — something that was super rare for Aboriginal children back then. But Annie was brave and determined. Thanks to her education, she later stood up for herself in court, which was a huge achievement for an Aboriginal woman in the 1800s.
Fast forward to now, and Emma is following in her footsteps. With more than ten years in school leadership, she’s worked as an Assistant Principal and an Education Advisor, always making sure that every child gets a fair go.
“As a principal, the privilege of connecting with each child, staff member and family is an incredible responsibility that I treasure and embrace,” says Emma.
Her way of leading is all about kindness, fairness, and helping every student shine — just like Mary MacKillop did all those years ago.
Special Reconciliation Week event!
To celebrate this amazing family story, St Raphael’s School is hosting a special event — and everyone’s invited! Emma will be sharing more about her great-great-grandmother, and there’ll be other guests connected to the story of Annie Brice and Mary MacKillop too. It’s a chance to learn, listen and celebrate culture, courage and connection.
Event details:
Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025
Time: 9am–10am
Location: St Raphael’s School, 114 Glen Osmond Rd, Parkside
Find out more about St Raphael’s School at raph.catholic.edu.au
