Principal Andrew Braiding has an extra spring in his step when he arrives for work these days.

After four years of painstaking effort, the restoration of Rozelle Public School’s historic sandstone building is complete, and it’s a sight to behold.

“The building is actually magnificent,” Mr Braiding said.

“You just get this sense of history and a real feeling of pride when you walk in the front gate, thinking this is the place I get to work every day. It’s wonderful.”

Since 2022, the building has been largely covered with scaffolding.

What started as repairs to the slate roof led to the full restoration of the sandstone blocks and gables of the 149-year-old building.

It required a massive team effort – a contractor accommodating the needs of teachers and students; a local council happy to help staff find alternative parking spots; the operators of the Rozelle Markets accepting when the school was unavailable on a Saturday morning.

This was a true community effort, helping a school that stands proudly at the centre of the thriving Sydney suburb.

“We were very lucky,” Andrew Braiding said.

“Everyone just came together, the whole community. And when you think about it, that’s what public education is all about.”

When Andrew Braiding shows new families through the school, he starts the tour in the same spot every time.

“I always start our tours next to the sign that says “1877”. That’s how long we’ve been providing quality public education to the community here.”

And it seems the community likes what it sees.

“The scaffolding has come down, the building works are finished, and our kindergarten enrolments are well up for 2027.”

The timing of the restoration couldn't be better, as Rozelle Public School prepares to celeberate its 150th anniversary next year.