EXCELLENCE AWARDEE: AFL Schools Primary School of the Year - Government

Larrakeyah Primary School

@stmichaelsgrammarschool

@TDSLaw

Pathways to excellence through innovation Larrakeyah Primary’s dual wins at the Australian Education Awards highlight how innovation, community and technology are transforming teaching and learning in Darwin. At Larrakeyah Primary School in Darwin, ‘Pathways to Excellence’ is not just a philosophy – it’s a permanent fixture of teaching and learning. In August this year, the school’s laser focus on innovation and high standards was recognised on a national stage, winning both Primary School of the Year – Government and Best Use of Technology at the 2025 Australian Education Awards. With a student body of more than 500 – half of whom have English as a second language, 20% are from Defence families, and 3% are Aboriginal – Larrakeyah is no stranger to complexity. Yet under the leadership of Principal Fathma Mauger, the school has transformed those challenges into opportunities for innovation. Indeed, its reputation as a high-performing, future-focused school has made it a beacon for educators in Australia and abroad. Turning vision into innovation One of the school’s standout achievements is the success of Larrakeyah IntelliLearn, a custom-built AI tool that scaffolds students’ writing skills without providing them with ready-made answers. Unlike generic platforms, IntelliLearn was designed around the expectations of the Australian Curriculum, incorporating teacher input and student samples into its framework. The aim was never to replace teachers but to give them an extra tool that empowers every learner. By providing real-time feedback and prompting students to reflect more deeply on their writing, IntelliLearn has lifted engagement and allowed teachers to focus their energy where it’s needed most. Evidence of impact The results of the program speak for themselves. In 2024, Year 6 students showed considerable improvements in narrative writing from the beginning to the end of the semester. Student surveys revealed that 92% felt IntelliLearn kept them on task, while more than three-quarters believed it improved their writing skills. Perhaps most significantly, the school has seen a marked reduction in reluctant writers as students take greater ownership of their writing, asking more questions, building confidence and developing their own voice. Building trust through collaboration Importantly, the IntelliLearn initiative was not a top-down directive but a team effort. After Fathma Mauger and senior staff attended an AI in Education conference, they consulted widely – holding workshops, testing prototypes in small classes and inviting feedback from teachers, students and parents. This process ensured buy-in from the very beginning. Fathma and her team listened closely to what worked and what didn’t, ensuring that the school could move from an upload-only format to an interactive writing pane that students use today. A culture of excellence Larrakeyah’s success with technology is just one part of a broader culture of excellence. Visible Learning frameworks guide teaching, collaborative planning empowers staff, and partnerships with schools in Singapore, Malaysia and China enrich professional learning. The result is consistent student growth, with the school outperforming national benchmarks in NAPLAN and receiving Outstanding ratings across all nine domains in its ACER school review. As Larrakeyah continues to push boundaries in 2025, its message moving forward is unmistakable: educational excellence is not a destination but a carefully prepared pathway – one paved with shared purpose, an unwavering focus on innovation and a strong sense of community.

As an independent, forward-thinking girls’ school we are committed to preparing girls for a lifetime of learning, leadership and engagement in our global community. We believe in girls. At Ruyton Girls’ School we foster the individuality of each girl in a caring and safe environment, nurturing her intellectual, physical, social and emotional qualities that are essential to flourish. Powerful learning is central to the Ruyton culture, building on our strong academic reputation. We focus on advancing the learning of every girl through the engagement of intellectual curiosity, building their knowledge and skills about how to learn, and supporting them to achieve their personal best and be exemplary citizens. We believe in real-world learning beyond the classroom, collaborating with the wider community to promote growth, discovery and sustainability. We empower our girls to lead lives of purpose with courage, character and compassion. Through the development of values and action-focused learning they are inspired to pursue equity and justice for self and others. By embracing diversity and raising their voices, our girls effect positive change and make a difference.

Fathma Mauger graduated from Charles Darwin University with a Master of Education (Honours) and also holds a Graduate Diploma in Public Sector Executive Management. She has worked in the Northern Territory education system for 39 years and has served as a principal for 15 years. Fathma is currently the Principal of Larrakeyah Primary School in Darwin and has a strong interest in school improvement and innovation. She is an accredited ACER NT Lead Reviewer and was awarded NT Principal of the Year in 2021. Fathma was a finalist for Principal of the Year (Government) at the Australian Education Awards in 2022, 2024 and 2025. She was selected for The Educator’s Hot List in 2022 and named one of The Educator’s Most Influential Educators in 2023. Fathma has also been an invited speaker at several international events and conferences.

Principal

Fathma Mauger

Danni Mattiazzo brings over a decade of experience in Northern Territory primary education, working across all year levels with deep curriculum expertise. She embraces change to enhance student outcomes and excels in collaborating with teachers to design engaging learning experiences. Recognised as NT Leader in Education (Darwin, 2021), Danni was a finalist in the Australian Education Awards (2022–25). She was also named in The Educator’s Hot List (2022) and featured in CIO Outlook Magazine (2024). Danni is an AITSL Lead Teacher who has presented on international platforms, showcasing her commitment to educational innovation and excellence.

Assistant Principal

Danni Mattiazzo

Fathma Mauger

Principal

Danni Mattiazzo

Assistant Principal

Bradley King

Assistant Principal

Bradley King is a highly motivated and adaptable leader with over 10 years of experience in educational, operational and strategic leadership within high-performing schools. Known for his innovative and goal-driven approach, he applies strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to lead effectively in dynamic environments. Passionate about continuous school improvement, Bradley is committed to mentoring others, fostering professional growth and driving positive change. He thrives in fast-paced settings and leads by example, with a focus on collaboration, innovation and achieving excellence in education.

Assistant Principal

Bradley King

Ashleigh Church

Senior Teacher

George Mamouzellos

Senior Teacher

Riley France

Senior Teacher

Riley France is an experienced educator who has been teaching for nine years across diverse school environments in the Northern Territory. As Senior Teacher and Data Leader at Larrakeyah Primary School, he provides strategic leadership in the design and implementation of data walls and supports staff in interpreting and applying student data to drive measurable improvements in learning outcomes. Known for his collaborative approach and instructional leadership, Riley promotes professional growth, high expectations and the consistent use of evidence-based practice. Passionate about advancing both student achievement and teacher capability, he is committed to leading continuous school improvement.

Senior Teacher

Riley France

George Mamouzellos is a Darwin-born educator with six years of experience teaching in the Northern Territory. As a Senior Teacher and Innovation Leader at Larrakeyah Primary School, he has driven improvement in maths, wellbeing and the integration of AI in education. George has led whole-school initiatives, including STEAM Days, the QUEST program and community engagement events. He is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences and supporting both staff and students through innovation and inclusion. A finalist in the Apple for the Teacher awards, George continues to champion student voice, digital transformation and future-focused education across his school community.

Senior Teacher

George Mamouzellos

For Childhood Senior Teacher Ashleigh Church, Larrakeyah Primary School holds a special place in her heart, and she considers it an honour to contribute to its continued success. Ashleigh is passionate about early childhood education, building strong partnerships with families and supporting children’s wellbeing. She is committed to embedding the perspectives of First Nations people in authentic and respectful ways – they also deeply value the rich cultural and linguistic diversity within the school. Ashleigh feels privileged to lead and grow in such a vibrant, inclusive and supportive environment.

Senior Teacher

Ashleigh Church