2006

In December 2006, heads were turned on Bondi’s Campbell Parade when a long-remembered and much-loved icon trundled down the parade on a long, oversized lorry and pulled into the Bondi Beach Public School forecourt.

Staff and students at the school had embarked on a project called 'one hundred views of Bondi'. The project was conceived by Libby Hathorn, author of the iconic children's publication 'The Tram to Bondi Beach'. Drawing inspiration from Hokusai’s "One Hundred Views of Mt Fuji" and Pablo Neruda’s "One Hundred Love Poems," the unit encompassed English, HSIE (Human Society and Its Environment), Science and Technology, Creative Arts, and PDHPE (Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education). The school-wide project encouraged students to utilise their knowledge and skills to delve deeper into their local heritage. Ultimately, it created one hundred pieces of art, poems, stories, photographs, and interviews.

Maria Hardy, Principal of Bondi Beach Public School at the time, highlighted Libby Hathorn’s book as the catalyst for research. As such, Principal, Maria Hardy was inspired to collaborate with the Sydney Tramway Museum at Loftus to bring the old Bondi tram to the school. Bondi's last tram journey took place on February 18, 1960 and the R class corridor tram was crammed with last-tram riders at the time.

Beyond the anticipation surrounding the arrival and display of the old Bondi Tram, a significant aspect of the unit was the "Festival of the Arts." This event featured the World Premiere of the play “The Tram to Bondi Beach” written by Libby Hathorn and J Andrew Johnstone. The play was based on Hathorn’s book which had been published 25 years earlier. The play was well attended with matinee and evening performances at the Bondi Pavilion Theatre, and dances involving 100 students representing the sand, ocean, and beach. To accommodate demand, two full casts were prepared with sell-out shows. Additionally, the launch of a multimedia display on the school’s website underscored the project's embrace of technology.

The endeavour was hailed as a resounding success by both faculty and students, exemplifying an effective fusion of learning and teaching. "One Hundred Views of Bondi Beach," and the return of iconic Bondi Trams to Bondi was celebrated. 

Courtesy Xanthe Pearson and Bondi Beach Public School.