The logo for the ACT's newest public school, Whitlam School in the Molonglo Valley, has been revealed as a multicoloured, patterned 'W' inspired by drawings from students in the inaugural school cohort.
The playful shapes, colours and free-flowing lines weave together different artworks drawn by the future Whitlam students and bring to life the school's vision statement of 'creating tomorrow together'.
The logo was designed in consultation with late Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam's family, the Whitlam School executive and the wider Whitlam community.
Community feedback was sought on three design options, and after more than 340 contributions online and in-person, the final design was chosen by Whitlam School Principal Felicity Levett.
Whitlam School is currently enrolling students from preschool to Year 2 for the 2027 school year, with an eventual capacity of up to 780 students across all year levels.
The project is a $101.7 million investment in the future of education for families in the Molonglo Valley, and part of the ACT Government's record $800 million investment to build and upgrade public schools right across Canberra.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Chief Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith:
"The new Whitlam School logo reflects the imagination of the school's future students and illustrates how this school has been shaped by the community from the very start.
"The construction of a new primary school here in the Molonglo Valley is all part of the ACT Government's record investment in public education right across Canberra.
"Thank you to all the students who shaped the design, and every Canberran who shared their views on the new logo for our newest public school."
Quotes attributable to Whitlam School Principal Felicity Levett:
"The selection of 'Let's build this together' reflects the feedback received from future students and their families.
"The community told us they wanted a logo that captured the excitement of building a new school together. The design draws on local children's own ideas and artwork, making it a meaningful and authentic representation of our future school community.
"Former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam was a renowned champion of the arts, and I feel that sensibility is reflected in this logo.
"The logo reflects our school vision statement: 'Creating tomorrow, together: Where children are known, the community is connected, and the future is imagined'."
