Vision, Mission, Philosophy and Values
Our Vision
At Alawa Primary School, our vision is to foster and support deep learning, critical and creative thinking in a positive, inclusive environment so all members of our community can become lifelong learners.
High expectations
Empowering every learner to grow academically, socially and emotionally.
Whole School Instructional model
Approaches to the teaching of Literacy and Numeracy.
Individualised support
Recognising each child’s strengths and providing targeted teaching to ensure success.
21st Century learning
Developing confident, creative and critical thinkers ready for a rapidly changing world.
Health and wellbeing
Nurturing the whole child through programs that build resilience, positive relationships and strong values.
Sustainability and unique programs
Engaging students in hands-on learning through our Farm, Kitchen Garden, Arts and STEM.
Community partnerships
Working together with families, staff and local organisations to enrich opportunities for every student.
Together, we foster a school culture built on
Respect, Encouragement, Pride and Personal Best — the values that guide all we do.
Our Mission
We empower our students to:
- Learn cooperatively and collaboratively
- Develop lifelong learning skills through diverse teaching approaches
- Embrace technology as a natural part of their learning journey
- Connect learning to real life through hands-on experiences like the Alawa Farm and Kitchen Garden program
Our mission is grounded in the belief that learning should be engaging, purposeful and inclusive.
Our Values
Our school values guide the way we act, communicate and learn together:
- Respect – caring for ourselves, others and our environment
- Encouragement – supporting and inspiring each other to succeed
- Pride – celebrating who we are and what we achieve
- Personal Best – striving to give our best in everything we do
Who We Are
Alawa Primary School has been part of the northern suburbs of Darwin since 1970. We cater for children from Preschool (commencing if they turn 4 by 30 June of that year) through to Year 6.
Our facilities are designed to support modern, engaging learning and we continue to grow with programs that meet the diverse needs of our students, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in the future.
21st Century Learning
We believe that strong learning and social skills empower students to make the most of their opportunities now and in the future.
At Alawa, a
21st Century Learner is someone who:
- Uses
ALLE’s Tools for Learning: Problem Solve, Reflect, Communicate, Collaborate and Persist
- Builds a
Growth Mindset (based on the research of Carol Dweck and James Anderson)
- Approaches challenges with resilience and positivity.
How We Support Learners
Instructional Model – clear strategies for co-constructing success
Student-Led Conferences – students share their progress with parents and teachers in Terms 1 and 3
Data Conversations – students use data to set goals, track progress and celebrate growth
Feedback and feedforward Culture – every student learns to ask:
- Where am I going? (What is my goal?)
- How am I going? (What progress am I making?)
- Where to next? (What will help me improve?)
We are proud to provide resources, tools and opportunities that help every child become an independent, confident learner.
Student Voice and Leadership
Student voice and agency is central to our school culture. We give every child opportunities to:
Influence school decisions
Share ideas that shape learning and community activities
Take on leadership roles that grow confidence and responsibility
By listening to our students, we ensure their learning is relevant, meaningful and empowering.
Our School Song
We were proud to welcome acclaimed Indigenous singer–songwriter
Shellie Morris, who worked with every class to create our very own school song.
This special project brought the whole school together — students shared their ideas, wrote lyrics and celebrated what it means to be part of Alawa. The result is a song that reflects our values and pride and is sung at fortnightly assemblies and special events.
Each year, our students refresh the song with a new video, making it a living tradition that grows with our community.