Mission Moments Blog
Timeless Values: The Five Stars Shape Lifelong Success
Brookfield Academy is once again alive with our students—your children. We are in full swing, and I am filled with gratitude. While our beautiful facilities and top-notch team of teachers and staff form the backbone of our program, it's the children's arrival that truly breathes life into our school. Their smiles, laughter, antics, and sincerity brighten the whole day. They are our purpose, our joy—a gift.
As we embark on this new academic year, we have something important to share with our students again: our Five Stars. Some might wonder if, after all these years, we need something new. However, the beauty of these stars, established by our Founders in 1962, lies in their timelessness. They continue to offer fresh insights as our students grow, mature, and begin to internalize these values. The Five Stars remain an endless source of inspiration.
In the morning, gathered around the flagpole, our Primary School students eagerly clutch giant yellow stars, proudly displaying the words they hear so often: Truth, Character, Intellect, Individuality, and Heritage. At this young age, they begin to grasp that good character involves making positive choices. They delight in their unique individuality and understand that a bright intellect is needed for their academic journey. It's a promising start.
As students transition to Lower School, the concept of developing character evolves into a personal challenge and goal. They take pride in showcasing their intellect and start to appreciate not only their own individuality but also that of their peers. Heritage takes on greater significance as they eagerly explore their roots and the diverse backgrounds of their classmates.
In Middle School, our students begin to see the interconnectedness of the Five Stars. They learn how truth forms the foundation of strong character, how embracing their individuality contributes to intellectual growth, and how understanding their heritage shapes their identity. Discussions become more complex, and students start applying these principles to real-world scenarios.
By the time they reach Upper School, Brookfield Academy students have hopefully internalized the Five Stars. They engage in thoughtful debates about truth in the age of information overload. They demonstrate character through leadership and community service. Their intellectual pursuits become more specialized, driven by their individuality and passions. They not only appreciate their heritage but also seek to contribute to it, aware that they are writing the next chapter of their country’s, family's, community's, and school's story.
As we watch our students grow through the lens of the Five Stars, we're reminded of the wisdom and foresight of our Founders. These principles, far from being outdated, provide an enduring framework for personal growth and responsible, constructive contributions. They give our students the tools to navigate an ever-changing world while staying true to core values.
The Five Stars of Brookfield Academy are not just words on the walls of our buildings. They are living, breathing principles shared with each student, guiding them from their first day of school to hopefully, long after they have graduated. As educators, we have the privilege of witnessing this beautiful journey, and for that, we are truly grateful.
