Hughes Primary School wanted a mural that would celebrate their students’ journey—something meaningful, reflective, and unique to their community. To bring this to life, the school organised a student-led fundraiser, with the funds raised helping to shape both the design and scale of the artwork. With a clear budget and brief in place, I worked closely with the school to create a concept that would honour the values the students had embraced throughout their time at Hughes.

The final design mapped out the school’s learner attributes as constellations—a visual representation of the qualities the students had developed over the years. But the students wanted to be part of the process, so we gave them the opportunity to leave their own mark. Each student contributed by drawing a star, which was then carefully incorporated into the mural. This simple yet powerful gesture made the artwork even more personal, transforming it into a legacy piece that reflected their gratitude and growth.

With the project coming to me late in the school year, I wasn’t able to complete it before the students left for their Christmas break. However, I made sure to have it finished before the teachers returned for the new school year, ensuring it was ready to welcome the next wave of students.

The final piece is more than just a mural—it’s a reminder of the journey these students have taken, the values they carry forward, and the community they have been part of. A collaboration between school, artist, and students, it stands as both a farewell gift and an inspiration for those who will walk these hallways in years to come.