St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School

Port Kennedy is a relaxed, outer-southern suburb of Perth, sitting about 48 kilometres from the city centre. With a median age of 38 and a population of around 13,500, it has a settled, family-friendly feel—the kind of place where neighbours know each other and weekends are for the beach or the backyard. You’re far enough from the city to enjoy space and quiet, but close enough that Perth’s amenities are within reach. The suburb’s vibe is practical and unpretentious, with a strong sense of community that suits families looking to put down roots. Whether you’re new to Australia or just new to the area, you’ll find Port Kennedy an easy place to call home, with a slower pace that lets family life breathe.

St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School sits at the heart of this community, offering a faith-based education within a supportive, local setting. As a Catholic school, the focus is on nurturing the whole child—academically, socially and spiritually—within a values-driven environment. The school’s strength lies in its connection to the parish and the families it serves, creating a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom. While specific extracurricular programs aren’t publicly detailed, Catholic primary schools in this area typically emphasise strong literacy and numeracy foundations, alongside religious education and community involvement. For families seeking a school where values matter as much as results, St Bernadette’s offers a warm, structured start to your child’s schooling journey.

For working parents, the school day doesn’t always end at 3 PM, and that’s a practical consideration when settling in. While specific before- and after-school care arrangements at St Bernadette’s aren’t publicly listed, the school office can confirm current arrangements—many Catholic schools in the area partner with local providers or run their own programs. It’s worth asking directly when you enrol, as availability can vary by term. Beyond formal care, the suburb’s family-friendly character means there’s often a network of local parents who share pick-ups and playdates, which can be a lifesaver in those early weeks. The key is to ask early and plan ahead, so you have a reliable routine in place before the school year begins.

When it comes to weeknight dinners, Port Kennedy is more about home cooking than restaurant hopping. The suburb doesn’t have a bustling dining strip, so most families stock up at local supermarkets and keep things simple—think pasta nights, BBQ dinners and easy one-pan meals. For those evenings when you need a break, you’ll likely rely on takeaway options from nearby shopping centres, though specific venues aren’t widely documented. The real advantage here is the pace of life: with less traffic and shorter commutes to local shops, you’ll find more time to cook together as a family. It’s a practical, no-fuss approach to mealtimes that fits the suburb’s laid-back character.

As a Catholic school, St Bernadette’s charges tuition fees, though specific amounts aren’t publicly listed—these are typically confirmed directly with the school and can vary based on family circumstances. For the commute, Port Kennedy is served by the Transperth public transport network, which operates trains, buses and ferries across Perth and surrounding areas. While the specific bus route or train line serving the suburb isn’t identified, the network is comprehensive, and the journey planner will show your nearest stop and the time into the city. Given the suburb’s 48-kilometre distance from Perth’s centre, most families drive for school runs and local errands, with public transport a viable option for city trips.

Your first move is to contact St Bernadette’s directly—ask about enrolment, fees and any before- or after-school care options. It’s also worth driving around Port Kennedy at different times of day to get a feel for the neighbourhood and local amenities. If you’re new to Australia, connect with the school community early; Catholic schools often have strong parent networks that can help you settle in. Finally, check the Transperth journey planner for your specific address to understand your commute options. With a bit of planning, you’ll find Port Kennedy and St Bernadette’s a welcoming place to start your family’s next chapter.