St Simon Peter Catholic Primary School

Ocean Reef is the kind of coastal suburb that feels like a permanent weekend. It’s a family-oriented pocket within the Joondalup area, where you’ll find a mix of professionals and families with kids, all drawn to the large, reasonably priced blocks and the relaxed, white-collar lifestyle. The beaches are stunning, the parks are dog-friendly, and there’s a real sense of community here—locals describe it as a “great place for families,” and you’ll quickly see why. With a marina development underway, the area is set to become even more of a coastal destination, but it already has that easy, laid-back rhythm that makes settling in feel natural. Whether you’re strolling to the shore or chatting with neighbours at a local park, Ocean Reef offers the kind of everyday life that’s both comfortable and genuinely welcoming.

St Simon Peter Catholic Primary School brings a strong sense of purpose to learning, with a particular emphasis on the performing arts that really sets it apart. Your child can join the school band, which rehearses after school and performs at assemblies, or the Years 4–6 choir, which takes part in the Catholic Arts Festival and school musicals. There’s also a lunchtime music ministry choir for Years 3–6, so there are plenty of ways for kids to find their voice and build confidence. The school’s Catholic ethos weaves through daily life, creating a supportive environment where academic growth and personal development go hand in hand. It’s the kind of place where children are known by name, and where parents feel part of a genuine community from day one.

For working parents, St Simon Peter has you covered with its own onsite Outside School Hours Care service, running from Kindy right through to Year 6. Before School Care starts at 6:30am and runs until 9:00am, while After School Care picks up from 2:30pm to 6:00pm—so the school day can flex around your work schedule. During school holidays, Vacation Care runs from 6:30am to 6:00pm, which is a real lifesaver for those long breaks. Having the service run by the school itself means your kids stay in a familiar environment with staff who already know them, which makes the transition from classroom to care seamless. It’s a practical, reassuring setup that takes the stress out of the 3pm scramble.

When you don’t feel like cooking, Ocean Reef has some lovely local options. Song Thai Restaurant on Marina Blvd is a casual spot for a reliable Thai dinner, perfect for a mid-week treat. For something with a bit more history, the Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club offers family-friendly dining at Boat Harbour Quays—it’s been a local staple for over 40 years, so you know the food and atmosphere are tried and tested. And if you’re after a relaxed coffee or a light bite with the kids, HOME coffee bar comes recommended by locals for its welcoming vibe. For groceries, Beaumaris IGA at Constellation Drive is the go-to for quality basics at reasonable prices, so stocking the pantry is straightforward.

Getting around is straightforward with Transperth serving the area. The nearest major rail service is the Yanchep line, which runs from Perth up to Yanchep via stations like Joondalup—a typical journey from Joondalup station to Perth Underground takes around 30 minutes, with frequent services during peak times. That makes a city commute very doable while still coming home to the coast. For school runs and weekend errands, having a car is handy, but the rail link gives you a solid alternative for workdays or trips into the city.

If Ocean Reef feels like the right fit, your next move is to get in touch with St Simon Peter Catholic Primary School directly to arrange a tour. Seeing the classrooms, meeting the teachers, and getting a feel for the performing arts program in action will tell you more than any review. You can also ask about enrolment timelines and any open days. The school office can confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements, so you have all the details for your family’s routine. Take a drive around the suburb while you’re at it—stop by the beach, grab a coffee at HOME, and imagine your weekends here. It’s a welcoming community, and you’ll soon see why families love calling Ocean Reef home.