The unique combination of technical and creative skills needed in successful graphic design has been explored by 31 students from the Port Stephens area in creating a new network logo.

Health Lawless, the principal of Shoal Bay Public School which hosted the day-long event, said it was fitting that the talents of students from five schools across the area should be used in an exercise that promoted opportunities in High Potential and Gifted Education.

“The Digital Design Day was a display of the typical strength and excellence of public education across all the 19 Port Stephens schools,” Mr Lawless said.

“It provided students with opportunities to show off their skills and connect with like-minded peers across the Port Stephens network.

“The task of the day was to use Canva software to design a collective logo representing public education in Port Stephens.

“We’re very grateful to the two skilled teachers and the professional graphic designer, who’s also one of our parents, for helping guide the students dn the day.

“We covered a number of design techniques and students worked individually and together on design options.”

The finished designs were voted on, with the winning design from Kora Constantino.

Kora said her design used colours consistent with the colours used in the Port Stephens Council Local Government Area.

“I worked closely with Ebony Hestelow, a fellow student at Tea Gardens Public School, and discussed the importance of including Aboriginal connections,” Kora said.

“I used the symbols of the meeting place and the semi-circles that represent each of the schools coming together to make up the community of proud public schools.

“The Aboriginal symbol for waterways has also been incorporated because of the significant connection that water plays in and around our 19 schools and local area.

“I’m so thrilled and excited to hear that my design has been selected and would like to thank everyone involved for their support.”

The design will contribute to the Port Stephens schools’ promotion of public education and the connections it brings, reflected in the motto “Our Schools, Our Community, Our Future”.