Archive - St Augustine’s

Primary School Prospectus

Catholic Education Commission, 2014-2018

Photography

Selected Archive Credit

Project Overview

This project marked my first of several institutional commissions for Catholic Education within the Diocese of Lismore.

Working in close collaboration with the appointed graphic designer and school leadership, I photographed across a full week on location at St Augustine’s Primary School, Coffs Harbour, to create a comprehensive image library for the school’s Strategic Plan and Prospectus (2014-2018).

The brief required a wide range of authentic learning, faith, community, and student engagement imagery, suitable for long-term institutional use across print and digital platforms. The resulting collection formed the visual foundation of the published document and supported multiple sections of the school’s strategic communications.

Front and back cover design for St Augustine’s Primary School Coffs Harbour strategic plan and prospectus, featuring student learning imagery and institutional branding.

Professional Context

This opportunity came through the recommendation of Jan Allsopp, artist, teacher’s aide, and longtime friend. Jan and I have known each other since childhood in Tamworth, where I grew up, and her introduction opened the door to a significant new phase of my professional practice.

This commission established my working relationship with Catholic Education and led to three further school projects within the Diocese of Lismore.

It marked an important transition into large-scale institutional and education-sector photography.

Collaborative Process

The project was delivered through a highly coordinated and professional team approach.

The graphic designer led the overall structure, scheduling, and production workflow, working closely with school staff to manage:

student participation

consent and permissions

session planning

location access

safeguarding requirements

communication with families and teachers

This careful coordination ensured that all photography sessions were conducted ethically, respectfully, and efficiently, creating a safe and supportive environment for students and staff.

The collaborative nature of the project allowed me to focus fully on producing high-quality, authentic imagery aligned with the design and communication objectives.

Opening pages from St Augustine’s Primary School Coffs Harbour strategic plan and prospectus, featuring classroom learning, leadership portrait, student support, and creative resources.

Inside spread layouts from St Augustine’s Primary School Coffs Harbour strategic plan and prospectus, featuring student learning, outdoor education, creative activities, and school life imagery.

Additional interior spreads from St Augustine’s Primary School Coffs Harbour strategic plan and prospectus, featuring student reflection, faith-based learning, assemblies, and active play.

Further interior spreads from St Augustine’s Primary School Coffs Harbour strategic plan and prospectus, featuring digital learning, classroom collaboration, student engagement, and pastoral care activities.

Additional interior spreads from St Augustine’s Primary School Coffs Harbour strategic plan and prospectus, highlighting collaborative learning spaces, creative problem-solving, curriculum development, and classroom innovation.

Closing pages from St Augustine’s Primary School Coffs Harbour strategic plan and prospectus, featuring active play, student wellbeing, and personalised learning support.

Working Under Pressure

During one of the final days of photography, my primary camera unexpectedly failed.

With only a small backup point-and-shoot available, I completed the scheduled sessions for the day and immediately visited Fletchers Photographic in Coffs Harbour, operated by Warwick and Louise.

Without hesitation, they supplied replacement equipment on trust, asking only that I “fix it up later”.

That evening was spent learning the new camera system, and I returned the following day fully operational, ensuring the project continued without disruption.

This experience remains a reminder of the importance of preparation, adaptability, and strong community professional relationships.

Outcomes and Impact

The completed image library was used extensively throughout the St Augustine’s Strategic Plan and Prospectus and across related communication materials.

The imagery supported:

curriculum and learning documentation

faith and community representation

student engagement features

leadership and governance reporting

long-term institutional branding

The success of this project established my reputation within Catholic Education as a reliable and adaptable creative professional and led directly to further commissions within the education sector.

Reflection

This project represents an important early milestone in my institutional and education-based photography practice.

It brought together:

clear strategic briefing

strong collaborative leadership

ethical production standards

detailed planning

and creative consistency

The resulting body of work remains cohesive, purpose-driven, and closely aligned with the original brief.

It stands as an example of how thoughtful collaboration and professional trust can produce enduring, meaningful visual communication.

Selected Assets

This archive includes:

Prospectus cover and publication spreads

Section divider and feature layouts

Key image library selections

Banner and presentation imagery

All photographs were created specifically for this project and remain part of its official visual record.

 

ART1 Archive Context

This page forms part of the Archive section, documenting professional theatre, screen, and movement work prior to the launch of ART1.

View other educational works and collaborations prior to ART1 in the Selected Credits.