Notre Dame Catholic Primary School

Cloverdale is a genuinely residential pocket of Perth’s eastern suburbs—no industrial zones, just quiet streets and a strong sense of community. The 2021 Census paints a picture of a middle-to-working-class suburb with a median age of 34, so you’ll find plenty of young families alongside singles and older residents. The median weekly household income sits at $1,520, and with a median household size of 2.4, homes tend to suit smaller families or those starting out. It’s a down-to-earth, unpretentious area where neighbours know each other, and the Belmont Forum—a major shopping centre with 142 stores—anchors daily life. The smaller Belmont Village adds a local, village feel for quick errands. If you’re new to Australia, you’ll appreciate the mix of affordability and convenience here, with everything you need within a short drive.

Notre Dame Catholic Primary School is a parish-connected school with a genuinely broad curriculum. Your child won’t just get the basics—specialist teachers cover music, science, art, dance, Italian, and physical education, so there’s room to discover talents beyond the classroom. The school also runs an Enrichment program for high-achieving students, which is a thoughtful touch if your child needs extra challenge. Strong links to the local Parish mean faith and community are woven into daily life, supported by an active School Board and Parent and Friends Association. It’s the kind of school where parents are welcomed into the fold, not just dropped off at the gate. For a family new to the area, that built-in community can make settling in far easier.

For working parents, Notre Dame has you covered with Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) that includes before and after school care, plus vacation and long day care during school holidays. That means you’re not scrambling for separate arrangements when the term ends. The school office can confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements, including the specific provider and any booking details. It’s a practical, all-in-one solution that lets you focus on work knowing your child is safe, supervised, and likely having fun with school friends. Given the suburb’s family-friendly vibe, you’ll find other parents in the same boat, so carpooling or playdate logistics often sort themselves out naturally.

You won’t be short on grocery options. The Belmont Forum is your main hub with its 142 stores, and you’ll find standard supermarkets there for the weekly shop. Belmont Village offers a smaller, more local alternative for quick top-ups. For casual dining, both Belmont Forum and Belmont Village have options—though you’ll want to explore and find your own favourites. On busy weeknights, it’s easy to grab something quick at the shopping centre or keep a few pantry staples for simple home-cooked meals. The suburb’s residential nature means you’re not fighting through industrial traffic to get home.

Cloverdale sits roughly 10 km east of Perth’s CBD, making it a practical commute for city workers. Transperth trains and buses serve the area, and the journey planner will show your nearest stop and the time into the city. Transperth trains and buses serve the area, and the journey planner will show your nearest stop and the time into the city. Driving is also straightforward given the suburb’s proximity to major roads. For school runs, Notre Dame is centrally located in the suburb, so most drop-offs are short. As for tuition, Catholic schools in WA generally charge fees, but the school office will have the current schedule—it’s worth asking about any family discounts or payment plans when you enquire.

Start by contacting the school directly at 6272 7100 to arrange a tour—seeing the classrooms and meeting the staff will tell you more than any brochure. Ask about the Enrichment program and specialist classes to see if they match your child’s interests. While you’re at it, confirm OSHC details and any fee structures. Then take a drive around Cloverdale itself: check out Belmont Forum for your shopping needs, and Belmont Village for a quieter coffee. If you’re new to Australia, the school’s parish connections and parent groups are your fastest route to feeling settled. And for the commute, use the Transperth journey planner once you know your exact address—it’ll give you precise times for your daily run into the city.