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
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11 Sep 2026
From Facebook
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11 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Learning, Sharing and Living Out Jesus’ Mission. ✝️ Year 2 students were delighted to welcome our Year 1 students into their classroom for a special opportunity to learn from one another about Baptism.💧 Year 2 shared their learning about what Baptism represents, while Year 1 proudly shared their beautiful Baptism books, featuring the symbols of Baptism and the story of Jesus’ Baptism. Together, the students explored their focus Scriptures: 📖 Year 1 – Luke 3:21–22, which tells the story of Jesus’ Baptism. 📖 Year 2 – Matthew 28:16–20, where Jesus calls his disciples to “make disciples of all nations.” This wonderful learning experience helped our students see that they, too, can live out Jesus’ mission by sharing their faith, teaching others and helping one another to know and follow Jesus. 💙 What a beautiful example of our Year 1 and Year 2 students learning, teaching and growing together in faith! 🌱✨
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Last week we celebrated and gave thanks to our wonderful Support Staff. 🤩 Thank you for the care, encouragement and support you provide to our students every day. Whether it's a helping hand, a listening ear, a kind word or simply being thee when our students need you. St Joseph's wouldn't be the same without you all. We thank you for everything you do. 💙💛
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Due to an internet issue currently our phones are not working. If you need to contact the office for any reason please see our recent compass notification providing an alternate number. Thank you.
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