Creating an engaging outdoor environment for schools requires more than just open space—it requires structures that are practical, durable, and reflective of the school’s identity. Instant Shade Marquees recently had the privilege of manufacturing a set of custom-branded marquees for Minaret College, designed specifically to meet the school’s needs for outdoor events and student gatherings. These marquees are more than just shade—they represent Minaret College’s commitment to community, learning, and excellence. Proudly displaying the school’s motto “Faith – Knowledge – Practice”, they provide a striking visual presence and reliable functionality for outdoor use.
A Collaborative Design and Manufacturing Process
Every custom marquee manufactured by Instant Shade Marquees is the result of detailed collaboration between our design, production, and quality teams. The Minaret College project was no exception. From concept through to completion, our team worked to ensure that the final product captured the school’s visual identity while maintaining our high standards of structural performance.
1. Understanding the Client’s Requirements
The project began with consultation between Instant Shade Marquees and representatives from Minaret College, a respected independent school in Victoria. The goal was clear: to produce branded marquees that could be used across campuses for athletics carnivals, outdoor sports, assemblies, and community events.
The marquees needed to:
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Showcase the school’s colours and logo.
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Display the school’s motto prominently across all sides.
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Be easy for school staff to set up and pack down.
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Provide robust protection from sun and light rain.
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Maintain a clean, professional appearance suitable for official events.
2. Artwork and Graphic Design
Once requirements were finalised, our in-house design team began the process of preparing the artwork for print. The artwork features the Minaret College crest and the words “Faith – Knowledge – Practice”, printed in bold, legible lettering along the full valance of each marquee. Every section of the marquee—from the roof panels to the valances—was carefully laid out on digital templates to guarantee correct alignment once assembled. This ensures the printed elements wrap seamlessly across the structure when the marquee is erected.
3. Printing Process
Instant Shade Marquees uses advanced dye-sublimation printing technology for all custom canopies. This process involves heat-bonding water-based inks directly into the fibres of the polyester fabric, resulting in:
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Long-lasting, UV-stable colour that resists fading under the Australian sun.
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Full-coverage printing, allowing for bright, bold artwork across the entire canopy.
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No cracking or peeling, unlike traditional surface printing methods.
For the Minaret College marquees, the result is a high-definition finish that retains its vibrancy season after season, even with regular outdoor use.
4. High-Quality Materials and Construction
The printed canopy was paired with Instant Shade’s heavy-duty aluminium marquee frame, engineered for commercial and institutional use. These frames feature:
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Hexagonal 40 mm legs for superior strength and stability.
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Reinforced cross truss bars to withstand repeated use.
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Quick-release locking mechanisms for easy setup.
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Anodised aluminium finish for corrosion resistance.
Each canopy is constructed from premium polyester fabric that is:
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100% waterproof.
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UV-resistant.
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Fire-retardant (meeting Australian Standards).
The combination of durable frame and professional-grade canopy makes these marquees ideal for both frequent use and long-term performance in the school environment.
Practical Applications: Supporting Outdoor Learning and Activities
While visually impressive, these marquees are built first and foremost for functionality. They provide a portable and versatile solution for a wide range of school events and community gatherings.
Athletics and Sports Carnivals
Schools across Australia rely on marquees to support outdoor sporting events, and Minaret College is no exception. The 3 m × 6 m marquees are the perfect size for athletics trackside shelters or sports day stations. They can be used to:
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Provide shade for students and spectators.
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Designate house or team zones.
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Serve as marshal or check-in stations.
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Cover scoring tables and first-aid posts.
The lightweight frames make setup quick and easy for staff, while the strong materials ensure they remain secure even in breezy conditions. Branding the marquees with the school’s logo and motto reinforces team identity and school pride throughout every event.
School Gatherings and Ceremonies
Whether it’s a presentation assembly, graduation celebration, or cultural day, schools need flexible outdoor spaces that can be arranged and removed as needed. Instant Shade’s marquees allow schools to transform courtyards, ovals, and playgrounds into shaded, structured event spaces within minutes. The Minaret College marquees create a professional look for these occasions, elevating the presentation of formal events and offering comfort for students, staff, and guests. Their modular design allows them to be connected or arranged independently depending on crowd size.
Outdoor Learning and Community Events
In recent years, many schools have embraced outdoor learning as a way to engage students in new environments. These marquees can serve as temporary classrooms, outdoor study zones, or group activity spaces. They provide protection from direct sunlight while allowing natural airflow and light. Beyond the school grounds, the marquees can also be used at community engagement events, open days, or interschool competitions. Their distinctive branding ensures the school remains easily identifiable at shared venues or public events.
Fundraisers and Market Days
For events such as fundraising stalls, fetes, or school markets, having branded marquees gives a professional edge while promoting the school’s identity to visitors. The waterproof canopy keeps merchandise or displays protected, and the striking design helps attract attention from passers-by.
The Value of Branded Marquees for Educational Institutions
Branded marquees offer more than practical benefits—they are powerful visual assets. Here are some of the key advantages schools gain from investing in custom-printed structures:
1. Strong Brand Recognition
Displaying the school name, crest, and motto on outdoor equipment reinforces identity across campuses and events. It communicates pride and professionalism to students, parents, and visitors alike.
2. Long-Term Cost Efficiency
Instant Shade Marquees are built to last for years, making them a cost-effective investment. Unlike basic consumer models, our commercial-grade marquees stand up to regular use without needing frequent replacement.
3. Versatility and Mobility
Each marquee can be set up by a small team in just minutes, then folded and stored compactly when not in use. This portability means they can serve multiple roles throughout the year—from athletics days to information booths to festival stalls.
4. Consistency Across Campuses
For schools with multiple campuses, custom-branded marquees ensure a unified look. Regardless of location, the same professional image is maintained at every event.
5. Protection and Comfort
Providing shade and shelter promotes student wellbeing and safety during outdoor events. Our marquees are engineered for Australian conditions and meet all necessary compliance standards for waterproofing, UV protection, and fire safety.
Built by Experts, Trusted by Schools
At Instant Shade Marquees, we’ve worked with schools, universities, and community organisations across Australia to deliver tailored shade solutions that combine visual impact with long-term durability. Our custom manufacturing capability allows us to produce marquees that align with each client’s branding guidelines and operational needs.
Every product is supported by:
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Decades of experience in design and manufacturing.
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Australian-based customer support.
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A full range of accessories, spare parts, and replacement canopies.
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Delivery and setup guidance to ensure smooth operation from day one.
How Schools Can Order Their Own Custom-Branded Marquees
The process of ordering custom marquees from Instant Shade is simple and transparent:
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Initial Consultation – Discuss size, colour, and usage requirements.
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Artwork Preparation – Our design team creates visual proofs based on your logo and brand guidelines.
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Approval & Production – Once approved, printing and assembly commence at our manufacturing facility.
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Delivery – Finished marquees are delivered ready to use, with optional setup assistance if required.
We can also provide additional branding elements such as banners, café barriers, and flags to complement your marquees for cohesive event presentation.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Instant Shade Marquees and Minaret College demonstrates how thoughtful design, quality materials, and precision manufacturing can create marquees that are both functional and visually impactful. The custom-branded marquees proudly display the school’s identity while providing reliable shade for sports, gatherings, and outdoor learning. These structures are built to support school life in every season—offering comfort, professionalism, and pride wherever they are used.
