It came after the year five students won a colouring-in competition when the organisation My Road Kill visited the school earlier in the year.

Jade's prize was to have the next rescued koala named after her.

The school raised $250 from students entering the competition, which was matched by My Road Kill and $500 was donated to the Hunter Koala Preservation Society.

Jade released furry Jade the koala on Friday, December 5.

"First we had to find a good gum tree, one with a good source of food, to encourage the koala to stay there," she said.

"It also had to be away from the road for safety.

"I had to wear protective gloves in case it scratched me," Jade said.

"She went straight up the tree, sniffed around and started eating."

Jade said Jade the koala was "really cute" with a small body and "really big fluffy ears".

Jade the koala has been microchipped. If she was ever injured, her details would be on record with the preservation society.