Deputy principal Kathryn Dick said the Dunedin school’s link with the chambered nautilus went back to the 1930s, when it featured in a production at the school.
It was then put to music, which was later developed into the school song.
The nautilus comprised a cephalopod and a shell, which both grew as it developed. The same idea could be seen in life and all pupils could relate as they grew, she said.
Amadee said Rattray St was a great location for the painting, as many girls walked past it on their way to school.
Otago Museum marketing manager Kate Oktay said the mural was part of a project with local artist Bruce Mahalski, who had been painting many of the items in the museum’s Animal Attic.
The museum paid for the resources, but Mr Mahalski offered his time free.
