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
-
06 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Next Tuesday at 7pm, 11 August, The Good Shepherd Parish will be hosting the First-Class Relic of St Clare of Assisi, which will be available for all to venerate as we celebrate the feast of this beloved Saint. Before Mass, there will be a talk presented by Camille Bautista, a 2020 graduate of St Clare's High School who also previously served the school as a teacher's aide. She will be sharing a reflection on the life and witness of St Clare. The evening is being hosted by Capuchin Young Adults Plumpton, who are guided by the Capuchin Friars (like Fr John) and are made up of St Clare’s HS and St Francis of Assisi Primary Shool alumni. It is a wonderful opportunity during this Jubilee Year of St Francis and the 800th anniversary of his passing to honour the deep friendship and shared spirituality of St Francis and St Clare.16 Jun 2026
From Facebook
💬 Year 6 Voice of Youth Workshop 💬 A Captivate educator came to SFA to coach the Year 6 students on being effective in speech delivery in preparation for the upcoming diocesan speech competition, Voice of Youth. A fantastic morning spent learning about the importance of us as presenters of a key message we want to send to our audience. The students engaged in activities to help build their confidence. Year 6 have walked away much more comfortable to deliver a speech about something important to them. Students will begin to prepare their speeches in class lessons upon returning to Term 3.
Latest news More news
28 Aug 2026
Our schools are cracking the reading code
Do you remember how you learned to read? For a vital skill that is linked to all other learning, it’s surprisingly difficult to explain how to go about learning it.
20 Aug 2026
Six Habits That Help Children Develop a Love of Reading
Book Week is a celebration of stories, imagination and creativity, but helping children love reading isn't just something that happens during one week of the year. The good news? It doesn't take expensive resources or hours of extra time. Often, it's the small, everyday habits that make the biggest difference.
06 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Next Tuesday at 7pm, 11 August, The Good Shepherd Parish will be hosting the First-Class Relic of St Clare of Assisi, which will be available for all to venerate as we celebrate the feast of this beloved Saint. Before Mass, there will be a talk presented by Camille Bautista, a 2020 graduate of St Clare's High School who also previously served the school as a teacher's aide. She will be sharing a reflection on the life and witness of St Clare. The evening is being hosted by Capuchin Young Adults Plumpton, who are guided by the Capuchin Friars (like Fr John) and are made up of St Clare’s HS and St Francis of Assisi Primary Shool alumni. It is a wonderful opportunity during this Jubilee Year of St Francis and the 800th anniversary of his passing to honour the deep friendship and shared spirituality of St Francis and St Clare.
28 Jul 2026
Action and Progress: Western Sydney Catholic Schools release 2026 Closing the Gap Report
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) has released its Closing the Gap Report 2026, detailing efforts to enhance educational equity, community engagement, and cultural capability across its 80 schools in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
17 Jul 2026
What's It Really Like to Send Your Kid to a Catholic School?
If you've ever assumed that attending a Catholic school means you have to be Catholic and that the fees are expensive, you're not alone. It's a common perception, but for many families, the reality looks quite different.
08 Jul 2026
CSPD students recognised in Refugee Week Creative Competition
Over 125 students from 10 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools have been recognised for their empathy and powerful storytelling as part of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia Refugee Week Creative Competition.
16 Jun 2026
From Facebook
💬 Year 6 Voice of Youth Workshop 💬 A Captivate educator came to SFA to coach the Year 6 students on being effective in speech delivery in preparation for the upcoming diocesan speech competition, Voice of Youth. A fantastic morning spent learning about the importance of us as presenters of a key message we want to send to our audience. The students engaged in activities to help build their confidence. Year 6 have walked away much more comfortable to deliver a speech about something important to them. Students will begin to prepare their speeches in class lessons upon returning to Term 3.
10 Jun 2026
From Facebook
♟️STAGE 3 CHESS COMPETITION ♟️ This term, students from Stage 3 nominated to enter the SFA Chess Tournament. Over a few weeks, students from Year 5 and 6 have been competing, after many spent last term in chess workshops refining their skills. Last week the final game was played by Cody and William with an eager audience to see who would be named Chess Champion. After a great game of focus and skill, William won! Congratulations to William! 🏆 And to all who participated! Well done!
04 Jun 2026
What Your Child Really Learns in the First 100 Days of School
One moment your child is holding your hand at the school gate and before you know it, they're walking in confidently, greeting friends by name, carrying their own bag, and coming home full of stories about 'assembly' and 'sport'. Here’s what to expect in their first 100 days of Kindergarten.
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?
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
On our way home! 🚍 Year 6 had an awesome time away at camp over the last two days. Throughout the trip they showed outstanding behaviour, supported one another, and truly embraced every opportunity that came their way. Many students stepped outside their comfort zones, challenged themselves with new activities, and demonstrated resilience and teamwork along the way. We are so proud of the courage, positivity, and maturity they showed. What a fantastic group of young people! 👏
01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
🏕️ YEAR 6 CAMP🏕️ Year 6 students have had a fun first day at camp stepping outside of their comfort zone participating in challenging activities such as the giant swing, flying fox and archery. The weather has been beautiful and food has been delicious. Tonight we’ll be roasting marshmallows by the campfire 🔥 and exploring the bush at night before getting to sleep to rest for more fun tomorrow.