Late last Friday night the school welcomed a double decker bus to the lawned space near our Junior Primary Undercover area. But this is no ordinary double decker bus…Our new bus is an AEC and was built in England in 1952. It serviced the busy streets of Circular Quay in Sydney for many years taking in the tourist hot spots such as the Rocks, Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The bus is in very good condition for its age. Whilst its new life will be for learners, we intend where possible to maintain the integrity of the bus and believe that it will become a future icon within our school community. Coincidentally, the bus is the same model of bus that is used in the Harry Potter movies - 'The Knight Bus'. It is also the same original colour as the Manly Ferry. 

The bus is part of our plans for learning space upgrades next year…

Years 4 and 5 Spaces to Undergo Refurbishment

It is my great privilege to share with the school community that in 2026 our Years 4 and 5 learning spaces will undergo a refurbishment, enabling these environments a much needed refresh. The approximate time frames for the refurbishments are: 

● Term 1 2026 - Year 5; and 

● Term 2 2026 - Year 4. 

The refurbishment will be a refresh and not major developments like our recent Prep and Year 1 buildings. While these building works are taking place the students (Term 1 2026 - Year 5 and Term 2 2026 - Year 4) will be relocated to what is our current library space. This will be an excellent learning space for our Year 4 and 5 students and staff next year, ensuring that learning is seamless despite the building works.

As you can imagine, relocating the library is a significant task. The school has recently come up with a very creative solution for a temporary library in that we have purchased a second-hand double decker bus. Our vision is that the bus, combined with a shipping container with bookshelves, will act as our library for a large part of next year. We do believe the bus will be a much loved library during this period, but also know that we will likely have many other creative opportunities to use the bus for learning beyond its time as a library in 2026. 

As Director of Learning Bianca Ravi explains, ‘Purchasing a 1950’s double decker bus is not an exercise in nostalgia for its own sake, but a creative, strategic investment in education, engagement and enrichment. When used intentionally, it can support learning across disciplines, connect the school with its community and offer students a powerful sense of place, pride and purpose.’ 

I am really excited at the wonderful learning opportunities that will occur in our double decker bus in the coming years. I know many of our students are equally as excited. 

Peace 

Andrew 

Kelly Principal