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Home » Online Articles » Brooky Public: The school of opportunities
Education

Brooky Public: The school of opportunities

Sage RaptisBy Sage RaptisJune 24, 20264 Mins Read
Sage Raptis, Brookvale Public School Captain
Sage by name, sage beyond his years by nature

From the moment I first walked through the gates at Brookvale Public School, I knew there was something special about the school. I could immediately feel the warmth and connection.

‘Brooky’, as we affectionately call it, has become the home of my heart. What makes Brookvale truly different from other schools is that we are like one big family with endless growth and opportunities. Now, as School Captain and a student in the Opportunity Class, I feel incredibly honoured to represent a school where every child is supported and nurtured as we all strive to achieve.

I transferred from Curl Curl North Public School to Brookvale Public School in 2025 to join the Year 5 Opportunity Class. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and warm smiles. Our amazing Principal Mr Richmond, our Deputy Principal Mr Sly, my superb teacher Ms Kovacs, and all of the other fabulous teachers have helped transform our school to a new level, making it a great place to play, bond and learn.

They have high expectations for students but also make sure wellbeing is at the centre of everything. The teachers know us personally and take the time to build positive relationships with all of us. There is a strong focus on our school values of ‘Respect, Responsibility and Personal Best’, which helps create such a positive and kind school culture.

These school values are like the beautiful gum trees that surround our school. They help us stand tall and proud. The teachers at Brookvale genuinely care about every student. You can see the school’s philosophy, ‘Every Child Has a Champion,’ in action every day.

Every student has a teacher ‘Champion’ that they can visit for a chat if they need to or just to say “Hi”’. Each Champion teacher looks after a champion group where students from every grade work together so that younger students can help build trust and friendships with older students. This helps everyone in the school build a sense of belonging, connection and wellbeing. So, at Brooky, you don’t just have one buddy…you have many.

One of the things I love most about Brookvale is the number of enrichment opportunities available. We have numerous excursions, sporting events, educational experiences and fun activities. I participate in debating, choir, PSSA sport, Maths Olympiad and the Student Representative Council. Despite all of this good fortune, I still got smoked in the Spelling Bee!

No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone. You can be involved in Writer’s Club, public speaking, dance, drama, band and representative sport. It’s awesome how many things there are to get involved in.

Our classrooms are more than just a place with modern seats and desks; they are inclusive and collaborative learning environments. Here, we are encouraged to be curious. Teachers are active in guiding students, giving them step by step help along the way, using explicit instruction and extending high performing students. This has helped develop healthy minds, showing in our great NAPLAN results.

In 2026 we recorded our highest ever growth between Year 3 and Year 5, with an average increase of over 20% across all domains in students achieving in the Strong or Exceeding proficiency bands. We excel academically because we feel connected, supported and genuinely known by our teachers.

Brookvale is more than just a school. This is hard to experience from the outside, so I encourage parents and children to take a peek inside. If you are curious about what lies beyond the fence and gum trees, please accept my invitation to visit and have a look for yourself.

“On three….one, two, three, BROOKY!!!”

For more information and to book a school tour, visit brookvale-p.schools.nsw.gov.au

Education Issue 61
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