Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta students had the opportunity to shine when the Captivate performing and creative arts program recently hosted its 10th Anniversary Showcase at Quaycentre, Sydney Olympic Park.
The show combined a spectacular musical ensemble of 165 students, backed up by the 1000-student primary choir and 190-student secondary choir singing songs such as One Dream, Come Back to the Sea, Keep your Lamps Trimmed and Burning and River Run Free.
This was complemented by a dance ensemble of 382 dancers who kept audiences enraptured. There was also a secondary drama ensemble of 90 students and a student ‘spoken word choir’ comprising 80 students from four primary schools.
One of the highlights of the performance was the use of puppetry and props to reflect the showcase’s storyline. The impact of the puppets was dramatic, guiding the audience through show’s theme of ‘creativity’: from the igniting of the creative spark, through to creative play, creative block, creative flow, and finally creative genius. The show’s finale was a stunning performance of Rihanna’s Diamonds in the Sky.
Captivate director Mark Hopkins said that for many students involved, it was their first major public performance.
“Others were consolidating many years of practice, rehearsal and performing, honing their skills for HSC practical examinations in the coming weeks or auditions for specialist post school arts study pathways in the coming months.
“Captivate is the program by which all students, regardless of prior experience or the location of their school, can access specialist learning in the arts.
“With a constant stream of research documenting evidence of the cognitive and social benefits of arts participation and learning, it is vital that such learning is part of each child’s education.”
St Andrew’s Primary, Marayong acting Principal Kim McDonald described the show as a rewarding experience for all those involved.
“Students have been rehearsing since February, both during recess and lunch breaks and also at formal off-site rehearsals with other students in the Diocese as well as during the school holidays,’’ Mrs McDonald said.
“This level of collaboration and creativity has provided opportunities for students to express themselves in a unique way. We are so proud of the students and thank them for their commitment, enthusiasm and persistence over such a long period of time.”
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
09 Jun 2026
Helping Your Child Learn at Home - Practical strategies every parent can use
How can you help your child learn at home without stress, conflict, or overwhelm? Join CSPD’s Learning Outcomes team for a practical parent session focused on simple, realistic ways families can support learning at home, from primary through to secondary school.
-
11 May 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 5 students had an amazing time attending the Lifted Live concert! 🎶💙 The day was filled with music, energy, faith and fun as students joined with other schools to celebrate and sing together. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and participation throughout the event. A memorable experience for all involved!
10 May 2026
From Facebook
Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers, grandmothers and carers in our school community Today we celebrate and thank you for the love, care, guidance and support you give each and every day. Your encouragement and dedication help shape the lives of our students and make our community so special. We hope you have a beautiful Mother’s Day filled with love, laughter and time with family
Latest News More news
14 May 2026
Music, art, movement: why creativity matters more than you think
Did you know creativity is one of the biggest predictors of how well children do in school and in life?
11 May 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 5 students had an amazing time attending the Lifted Live concert! 🎶💙 The day was filled with music, energy, faith and fun as students joined with other schools to celebrate and sing together. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and participation throughout the event. A memorable experience for all involved!
10 May 2026
From Facebook
Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers, grandmothers and carers in our school community Today we celebrate and thank you for the love, care, guidance and support you give each and every day. Your encouragement and dedication help shape the lives of our students and make our community so special. We hope you have a beautiful Mother’s Day filled with love, laughter and time with family
08 May 2026
From Facebook
Today we welcomed our families to our Mother’s Day Liturgy as we celebrated the special mothers, grandmothers and carers in our community Each class shared a performance or presentation, making the morning a wonderful celebration of love, gratitude and family. It was lovely to see so many families join us for our bacon and egg breakfast and spend time together as a school community. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the morning so special. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mums and carers in our community!
07 May 2026
From Facebook
Our students are continuing their journey with the Premier’s Reading Challenge! It’s great to see consistent reading happening across the school, with students working towards their goals and broadening their choice of texts.
06 May 2026
From Facebook
Year 6 have been hard at work in Creative Arts, designing and creating their own marionette puppets using clay! Students explored sculpture techniques as they carefully shaped and crafted detailed features, bringing their characters to life with creativity and precision. Each marionette reflects the individuality and imagination of our learners, with thoughtful design and attention to detail. It has been fantastic to see students so engaged in the creative process, developing their artistic skills while taking pride in their work. We look forward to seeing these marionettes used in future performances and storytelling!
04 May 2026
From Facebook
Library Fun!📚 Our library has been buzzing with excitement as students enjoy spending time reading, playing, and learning together. From exploring books to engaging in games and shared activities, it’s been wonderful to see so many smiling faces and positive interactions. These moments help build a love of learning while also strengthening friendships and creating a welcoming space for all.
02 May 2026
From Facebook
Year 3 and Year 4 have been getting creative in Creative Arts, designing and making their very own sock puppets! Students explored their imagination as they planned, created, and brought their unique characters to life using a range of materials. From colourful designs to expressive features, each puppet showcased the creativity and individuality of our learners. It was wonderful to see students so engaged, collaborating with one another and taking pride in their creations. We can’t wait to see these puppets come to life in future storytelling and performances!
30 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday we came together with Delany College to commemorate ANZAC Day through a meaningful liturgy. Students and staff gathered in prayer and reflection, honouring the courage, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who have served our country. Through scripture, prayers, and moments of silence, we were reminded of the importance of remembrance, gratitude, and unity. It was a special opportunity for our students to connect with the deeper meaning of ANZAC Day and to stand alongside our wider community in respect and reflection. Lest we forget.
25 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today we pause to remember and honour all those who have served and sacrificed for our country on ANZAC Day. As a school community, we reflect on the courage, resilience and mateship shown by the men and women who have protected our freedom. We give thanks for their bravery and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Lest we forget.
24 Apr 2026
From Facebook
We are excited to introduce a new recycling initiative at our school! Our students are now collecting cans as part of our commitment to caring for the environment and making a positive difference in our community. This initiative encourages everyone to take responsibility for reducing waste and thinking sustainably. Even better, the money raised from recycling will go straight back into our school to purchase new sports equipment and support other resources for our students. We look forward to seeing our school community come together to support this effort—every can counts!
23 Apr 2026
From Facebook
We were so excited to welcome our students back for the first day of school! As a school community, we gathered together for a special liturgy centred on the Easter season, taking time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and what it means for us in our everyday lives. It was a beautiful opportunity for prayer, reflection and renewal as we begin the new term together. We look forward to a wonderful term of learning, growth and connection ahead!