Montrose Bay High was established in 2010, through a merging of Claremont High School and Rosetta High School, both long-standing secondary schools in Hobart’s northern suburbs.

With students and staff from these two existing schools coming together, Montrose Bay High needed a visual identity that would foster a sense of enthusiasm and pride, and represent the new school through transition and into the future.

Following the announcement of the school’s new name, we were approached to create a visual identity that would form the basis for uniforms, stationery and signage.

Understanding the school community was a key focus in our background research for this project.

To ensure a smooth transition, it was important that everyone felt engaged in the project.

Through discussions with staff, students and their families we gained an insight into what was important to them, and how the new identity would be used on a day-to-day basis.

We created a logo inspired by local flora — ‘Juncus Pallidus’, a species of rush with particular prominence at the school’s campus beside the Derwent River. With its rust toned flowers and green and grey leaves, the reed is a core component of the design.

The identity reflects the contemporary and confident personality of the new school, and was quickly embraced by students, parents and staff.

Five years post-merger, the Montrose Bay High School identity is well established and recognized throughout Southern Tasmania.