Joondalup, like many other place names in the district, has been taken from the Aboriginal language and means, "The Place of the Glistening" relating to Lake Joondalup, which is the major water feature of the area.

"Living in Harmony" is the motto of the City of Joondalup.  Joondalup Primary has adopted this motto as well as the city emblem and colours, which are incorporated into the school uniform, to reflect the sense of oneness that the school has with the community.

Community is a very important aspect of the culture of Joondalup Primary School.  Parents, staff, students and community members work closely to develop sound educational programs and to extend school facilities and resources.  Active parental input in decision-making is fostered and occurs through forums provided by the P&C association and the School Council.  Both are very dynamic and play a major role in school functions.

The school site encompasses a wide range of services, including a highly regarded Educational Support Centre, a family centre and a dental therapy centre.  The school has a state of the art library/resource centre, music room, and art/craft room and computer laboratory.  The school offers a broad-spectrum technology program, which fosters applied use of technology in learning programs, both within student’s classrooms and the computer laboratory.  Students are able to work on both PC and Apple platforms.

During the past three years extensive development of the school grounds and buildings has occurred.  The P&C and the school have undertaken projects in these areas jointly, resulting in the development of two new playgrounds, extended parking provision, increased hard surface areas for ball games and a tree-planting project.  Buildings have been modified to enable diversification in the programs offered and to ensure all available areas are well utilised to optimise student’s learning opportunities.  The provision of a safe and comfortable school environment in which students may learn and play is of optimum importance to all members of our school community.

The school has a strong social focus, which is reflected through the many whole school functions that occur during the year, such as the ANZAC service and WA week celebrations.  We have built strong links with the Bridgewater aged care facility, located near the school, and their members often attend our special functions.

Educational innovation underpins the sound teaching practices occurring in the school.  In 1998 two educational initiatives were implemented in the school, Multi Aged Grouping in the Junior area in two classes and Information Technology - Inquiry Learning in the Year Seven area.  Both are sound examples of the high level of innovative teaching and programming occurring in the school. Both are focusing on student centred learning, monitoring and reporting.

Joondalup Primary has also been involved and has ongoing involvement in a raft of initiatives such as "The Friendly Schools Project", "The Safety Rules Project" and the "Drug Education Project".  Effective programs have been implemented within the school due to our involvement in these projects.  In addition we are an "Asthma Friendly School" and a "Sun Safe School".

Students are well presented, exhibit a strong sense of pride in their school and it's surrounding and exhibit a high standard of behaviour within the classroom and the playground.

Joondalup Primary School exists to provide opportunities, through a positive learning environment, to enable children to become enquiring, responsible, confident members of society. As such, Joondalup Primary School provides a positive, pleasant and caring atmosphere in which to foster the educational, social and emotional development of its students. It is a fine example of a professionally managed government school.