The wedge-tailed eagle is the Prospect High School’s emblem. This inspiring symbol is of profound significance to the school and is proudly displayed on the school uniform and letterhead.

The motif of a wedge-tailed eagle has a long tradition as the symbol associated with Prospect High School. In 1978, the art teacher and art students created a concrete sculpture based on the school’s logo of an eagle. The sculpture has sat at the front entrance to the school for many years and has been an important symbol of identity for students. It has been repaired several times and the harsh weather has altered the appearance of the sculpture. This sculpture was moved from its prominent position at the entrance to the school, to across from the entrance during major works construction in 2017.

The 2018 Student Leadership Board’s vision was to locate a new and contemporary eagle sculpture at the entrance to the school that was reflective of our modern school, sustainable, monumental, inspiring, and possibly ‘out there’.  They worked hard, fundraising, applying for grants, seeking financial support from the community, and seeking local artists who would be interested in working alongside them to achieve this goal.  This work was led by 2018 Co-Presidents Hayden Johnstone and Jiranan Stearnes and supported by Emma Blackberry, Kaitlyn Bussey, Jackson Cooke, Ella Cornelius, Ebony Cuthbert, Amber Goodyer, Kate Harris, Lincoln Matthews, Nicholas Mayne, Jacob Mitchelson, Benjamin Moir, Hayden Partridge, Madison Sefton, Georgie Spaulding, Mr Gregory, Mrs Mackrill, and current Principal, Mrs Barker.

Funds from fundraising and donations from Prospect IGA and Tasmanian Alkaloids were carried forward to the 2019 Student Leader Board who continued to fundraise and canvas for the installation of a new sculpture.  Once funds were secured, the 2019 SLB, Mrs Barker and Mrs Chancellor worked with Arts Tasmania to tender artists and designs.

After reviewing many great submissions, Jackson Wells, a freelance designer/maker, was commissioned to design and install the project.  Jackson worked with students William Terry, Mitchell Holmes, Lachlan Lowe, Connor Ellery, Joseph Coates, Daniel Stearnes, Cassidy Kent, Rebecca Hearps, Jazmin Szmekura, Jade Cohen, Bianca Jones, and Rebecca Milbourne to finalise the design.  Jackson used AR (augmented reality) to assist in the creation of the eagle statue.  AR is an interactive experience and defined as a system that fulfills a combination of real and virtual worlds, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects. This was an exciting experience for the students and staff involved.

The eagle sculpture is made from corten plate and stainless steel which will weather with time and blend into the natural environment at the front entrance to the school, in the same location as the original sculpture.

This has been a great achievement by students who persevered and worked hard to achieve their goal.  As a school, we are very happy with the outcome and proud of our students.  We thank the school community who supported raffles, Krispy Kreme drives, Bunnings BBQ’s and Trivia Nights, and thank David Baxter from Prospect IGA and Tasmanian Alkaloids for their donations and supporting our students.

What a successful achievement!

Mrs Debbie Chancellor
School Business Manager