St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School

Butler is a genuinely family-first suburb on Perth’s northwest coast, and you’ll feel it the moment you drive through. The streets are full of young families—the median age here is 32, and nearly half of all households are couples with kids. It’s a middle-income, hardworking community (think technicians, tradespeople, and plenty of mortgage-holders), with well-kept parks, local schools, and easy access to Quinns Beach and Jindalee Beach for weekend sand-and-surf days. The Butler Boulevard precinct is the local hub, steadily growing with more shops, so daily errands stay close to home. It’s not flashy—it’s practical, welcoming, and the kind of place where neighbours actually know each other. If you’re after a safe, grounded suburb where kids can ride bikes and you can breathe a little easier, Butler fits the bill nicely.

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School sits right on Connolly Drive, and it’s a school that clearly values both faith and fun. The classroom culture is warm and structured, with specialist teachers supporting the core curriculum. What really stands out is the music program—the **Musicorp Instrumental Program** runs every Thursday, letting kids try keyboard, electric or acoustic guitar, drums, or violin in small groups, with the term fee even covering an instrument to take home. There’s also a **School Choir** that performs at events like the Catholic Performing Arts and One Big Voice at RAC Perth Arena—a lovely confidence-builder. On the sporting side, kids join regionally based lightning carnivals, so there’s a healthy mix of arts and athletics. It’s a school that feels involved, not just enrolled.

For working parents, the school has you covered with **Outside School Hours Care run by Camp Australia**, based right at the school on Connolly Drive. They offer before-school care for kids aged 5 to 12, which is a real help if you need to get to work early. The service is well-established and trusted, so drop-off can be smooth and stress-free. The school office can confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements, including any afternoon sessions. It’s worth a quick call to check exact hours that suit your schedule, but knowing there’s a reliable option on-site takes a load off. For a family settling into a new routine, that peace of mind is gold.

Weeknight dinners in Butler are refreshingly simple. The suburb doesn’t have a huge restaurant scene, but it has what matters—a solid, family-friendly local option. **On Fire Pizzeria** is the go-to for wood-fired pizza with authentic Italian flair, using fresh ingredients and handmade dough. You can dine in or grab takeaway, which is perfect for those nights when you’ve had a long day and just want something comforting without the fuss. It’s the kind of place where kids are welcome and the pizza is consistently good. For groceries, the Butler Boulevard area has the essentials covered with local shopping centres, so you won’t be driving far for a weekly shop. It’s not gourmet, but it’s honest, tasty, and easy—exactly what family life needs.

Getting around from Butler is straightforward, especially if you work in the city. **Butler Station** is on the **Yanchep line** (part of Transperth), and the train ride to Perth Underground takes about **38 minutes**. Services run every 10 minutes during peak times and every 15 minutes between peaks, so you won’t be stuck waiting long. The station is in fare zone 5, and there are also six bus routes connecting to Clarkson Station to the south and Alkimos Station to the north, giving you flexibility. For school fees at St Francis of Assisi, it’s best to contact the school directly for the current schedule—Catholic primary schools in WA typically have transparent fee structures. The commute is manageable, and the train makes city work a realistic option.

Your first move should be a visit to St Francis of Assisi—walk the halls, meet the teachers, and get a feel for the community vibe. While you’re there, ask about the Musicorp program and choir sign-ups; they’re popular for a reason. Also, check with the school office about OSHC hours and any enrolment tours. On the home front, drive around Butler at different times of day to see the parks and the Boulevard buzz. Try On Fire Pizzeria for a casual dinner to start feeling local. And if you commute, do a test run on the Yanchep line to get your timing down. Butler is a place that grows on you—give it a few weeks, and it’ll start to feel like home.