Our Lady's Assumption School

Dianella is a well-established, middle-income suburb in Perth’s northern suburbs, roughly 9 km from the CBD. The housing mix—from modest post-war homes to larger modern two-storey places—gives it a genuinely mixed, family-oriented feel rather than an exclusive one. With a 2021 population of 24,169, it’s a settled community with plenty of small parks and a large regional open space for weekend recreation. Dianella Plaza, at the corner of Alexander Drive and Grand Promenade, has been the local shopping heart since 1968, and smaller stores are dotted around the suburb. It’s the kind of place where neighbours know each other, kids ride bikes to the park, and you can get to the city without feeling like you’re in the thick of it.

Our Lady’s Assumption School sits at 43 Chester Ave, Dianella, and is a Catholic primary school with a strong community feel. So it’s worth asking the office for the current term’s offerings. The school’s own website (ola.wa.edu.au) is the best place to see what’s actually on offer, from sport to music or other activities. What’s clear is that this is a school embedded in the local area, with a focus on faith-based learning and a supportive environment. Families moving here often cite the school’s central location and its connection to the parish as big pluses.

The school runs its own on-site service, Our Lady’s Assumption Outside School Hours Care, right at the school address. It provides both Before School Care and After School Care, which is a huge convenience for working parents—no need to drive across the suburb for pickup. The service currently shows no vacancies, so it’s wise to get on the waiting list early and enquire directly with the centre about current availability and operating hours. The school office can confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements. Having care on the same campus means your child stays in a familiar environment, which makes the transition to school life smoother for everyone.

Dianella has some solid local takeaway options for those nights when cooking feels like too much. Bangkok Vibes Thai, at Shop 2, 31 Pimlott St, offers Thai takeaway and delivery with a strong 4.8-star rating—perfect for a quick pad thai or green curry. Pompei Pizza on Walter Rd W does pizza and pasta for takeaway, a reliable family favourite. For something lighter, Tak’E Sushi inside Dianella Plaza serves sushi, sashimi, karaage and bento sets, with family-sized portions and high chairs, making it easy to grab dinner with kids in tow. Dianella Plaza itself has the basics for groceries and everyday needs, so you won’t be driving far for a loaf of bread or a last-minute ingredient.

There’s no direct train station in Dianella, so the daily commute relies on buses. Transperth routes 67, 960 and the 998/999 circle routes pass near the suburb and head toward the Perth CBD. Transperth trains and buses serve the area, and the journey planner will show your nearest stop and the time into the city. For local enrichment, the Sharon Biddle School of Dance (10 Harold St) has been teaching in Dianella since 1973, and the Yoon Sen Lee Music School (20 Oberon Cl) offers music tuition nearby. These are community staples, though they’re separate from the school itself.

Start by contacting Our Lady’s Assumption School directly to arrange a tour and ask about the OSHC waiting list—that’s your first priority if you need care. Check the school’s website for enrolment details and any open days. For the commute, use the Transperth journey planner to find your nearest bus stop and test the route during peak times. And when you’re settling in, pop by Dianella Plaza for groceries and a coffee, and try one of the local takeaways for an easy first weeknight dinner. Dianella is a friendly, practical suburb—once you’re here, you’ll wonder why you didn’t move sooner.