Whitford Catholic Primary School

Craigie is a leafy, family-focused suburb in Perth’s northern coastal corridor, with a median age of 35 and an average of 1.7 children per family—so you’ll be in good company. The 2021 Census shows a middle-income community (median weekly household income of $1,792) that balances young professionals with settled families. You’ll find rolling parks, the Craigie Leisure Centre, and easy access to Perth’s beaches, giving weekends a relaxed, outdoorsy feel. It’s the kind of place where neighbours nod hello and kids ride bikes to the oval. The suburb feels safe and unpretentious, with everyday amenities close by and the city within reach when you need it. For a family settling into Perth’s northern corridor, Craigie offers a genuine sense of community without the hustle—a practical, welcoming base for your next chapter.

Whitford Catholic Primary School is a warm, community-oriented school that clearly values both learning and belonging. Beyond the core curriculum, there’s a lively extracurricular scene: the Junior Art Club welcomes Kindergarten through Year 2 students on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while the WCPS Chess Club meets Thursdays under a professional coach, coordinated by the P&F. For older kids, the audition-based Choir (Years 3–6) performs at events like the Catholic Schools Performing Arts Festival and the One Big Voice Festival—a lovely way for your child to build confidence and friendships. The school also runs an on-site academic extension program called ‘Infinite Minds,’ which suggests a commitment to stretching capable learners. It feels like a place where children are known by name and encouraged to try new things, both in and out of class.

Whitford Catholic Primary School hosts an Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) program run by Little Buckets Child Care, located in the school’s McAuley Gym. It offers before-school, after-school, and holiday care, which is a real relief for working parents—your child stays in a familiar environment with friends, and you don’t have to juggle multiple pickups. The school office can confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements. Having care on-site means mornings and afternoons are simpler: drop off and pick up happen in one place, and your child can transition smoothly from class to care without extra travel. It’s a practical setup that takes the edge off the after-school scramble, letting you focus on work knowing your kids are well looked after just steps from their classroom.

For everyday groceries, Craigie Fresh IGA is right in the suburb—handy for quick top-ups and fresh produce. If you’re after specialty ethnic ingredients, nearby Joondalup has the Namaste Indian Supermarket on Wise Street, plus a Coles on Joondalup Drive for bigger weekly shops. When you don’t feel like cooking, Roma Republic on Perilya Road is a solid family pick, serving parmis, steaks, and burgers in a pub-style setting with takeaway options—perfect for a relaxed Friday night. For a lighter bite, Cafelife in Craigie offers a casual cafe experience (rated 3.8/5 from 41 visitor reviews), good for a weekend coffee or a quick lunch with the kids. Between the IGA and these local spots, you’ll find weeknight dinners manageable without driving far.

You’re not without options. Whitford Catholic Primary School runs its own ‘Infinite Minds’ academic extension program on-site, which is a great first port of call for extra challenge. For more targeted support, local private tutors—like maths tutor Amalshi P.—serve the Craigie area through platforms like HighSchoolTutors.com.au, so you can arrange one-on-one help without leaving the suburb. On the commute front, Craigie is well connected: Transperth bus routes 463 and 464 link Whitfords Station to Joondalup Station, and routes 441–444 connect Whitfords Station to Warwick Station. Transperth trains and buses serve the area, and the journey planner will show your nearest stop and the time into the city. Driving via the Mitchell Freeway takes about 25 minutes, so both options are workable.

Start by contacting Whitford Catholic Primary School to arrange a tour—seeing the classrooms, the McAuley Gym, and meeting the staff will give you a real feel for the community. Ask about the OSHC program’s current times and any waitlists, especially if you’re starting mid-year. If your child is interested in art, chess, or choir, mention that during the visit so they can join from day one. For the suburb, take a drive around Craigie on a weekend: check out the parks, pop into Craigie Fresh IGA, and grab a meal at Roma Republic to get a sense of daily life. Finally, use the Transperth journey planner to test your commute from your new address—knowing the bus routes and train times will make the first week smoother. You’re moving to a friendly, practical area with a school that clearly cares—good luck with the transition!