Raphaeli started in 2009, primarily through the initiative of Gabbeh Wellens who wanted Waldorf education for her children. She gathered a small group of children and interested parents, and started homeschooling at a studio in Wittedrift. Once the initiative had gained momentum, Sue Gurney joined as a teacher in July 2009, Claire Randon started the Kindergarten on a separate property in Wittedrift in January 2010 and Yvette Worrall joined Raphaeli in May 2010. From the beginning, the goal of creating a Waldorf school was clear. We formalised our application with the S.A. Federation of Waldorf Schools and began working through the development process to gain our status as a recognised Waldorf School. The Primary School and Kindergarten moved as they outgrew each premises. In 2013 we moved to our current premises on Leathem Farm, Piesang Valley, and the school joined together for the first time. Now in its seventh year our school numbers 100 children from Kindergarten to Class 7. In 2014 Raphaeli was granted Developing School Status by the S.A. Federation of Waldorf Schools, making us the first Waldorf School on the Garden Route. The name of the school "Raphaeli" was chosen by the first parents.