Did you know creativity is one of the biggest predictors of how well children do in school and in life?
It's not just about making art or playing music. Creative learning plays a powerful role in how children learn, think and grow. And the research is clear: students who engage regularly in creative activities develop stronger problem-solving skills, improved focus and greater confidence - key foundations for success in school and beyond.
Here's what that could actually look like for your child:
- Builds confidence
When kids express themselves through music, visual arts and movement, something shifts. They learn to express ideas, take risks and find their voice, not just in creative spaces, but in the classroom and in life. - Strengthens focus
Creative learning activates different parts of the brain, improving concentration and memory. Whether it’s learning an instrument, rehearsing a performance or crafting a visual piece, students quietly build discipline and persistence that spill into every subject. - Encourages critical thinking
Creativity teaches students to explore, experiment and think differently. These skills are essential for navigating the demands of school and a rapidly changing world. - Supports wellbeing
Creative outlets provide students a healthy way to process emotions, reduce stress and build resilience. It's not just good for their growth; it makes them feel better, too. - They’ll feel like they belong
Performances, exhibitions and shared creative experiences do something powerful: they give students a sense of pride and connection to their school community. Feeling seen and valued matters and helps them feel engaged.
That’s exactly the vision behind CAPTIVATE, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese’s dedicated arts program for students from Kindergarten to Year 12 to explore their creative talents through music, dance, drama and visual arts.
Whether it's specialist teachers and professional artists coming directly into classrooms, instrumental tuition and ensembles, or system-wide eisteddfods, exhibitions and festivals, CAPTIVATE meets students where they are and takes the arts seriously at every level.
Creativity shapes who a child becomes and CAPTIVATE is our commitment that every student in our diocese has access to arts education that genuinely develops them. It's how we lift the standard of creative learning across all 80 of our schools, giving students experiences in music, dance, drama and visual arts that go far beyond what any single school could offer alone.
Liz Jackson, Head of Enrichment
At Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, create and truly belong. If you'd like to see how our schools can support your child’s learning, wellbeing and creativity, we’d love to help you find the right fit.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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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
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.
17 Jul 2026
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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
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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.
29 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to the Miriam Oz Tag team who were victorious against Riley in our House Sport Championship Final. The game went to golden point and was a closely contested match. Thanks to the Year 6 Sport Leaders for their organisation and thanks to the Year 6 Technology Leaders for providing a fun vibe at each match.
24 Mar 2026
700+ Unite for Project Compassion Big Water Walk
More than 700 students and staff from 23 schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for Caritas Australia’s Big Water Walk in support of Project Compassion. Beginning at Parramatta Park, students carried buckets of water along a 4km route, gaining a glimpse of the daily journey faced by people in developing communities, especially women and children, in search of clean water.
10 Mar 2026
NAPLAN: What Parents Really Need to Know
Each March, families across Australia hear a lot about NAPLAN. The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. But what does it really mean for your child in 2026?