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Students learning together in the classroom at St John's Primary School Riverstone Students learning together in the classroom at St John's Primary School Riverstone

Captivate shines during spectacular showcase performance

05 Sep 2018

The Captivate Choir lead by David Russell from the Captivate team

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.

Students performing as part of the showcase

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.

Dancers performing on stage

“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.”

The Quaycentre at Olympic Park where the showcase was held

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.

The grand finale

“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.”

 

Creative Arts Extracurricular General

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

  • 746041150857862_1386237530171551-1

    30 Oct 2025

    From Facebook
    A reminder that it is crazy sock day tomorrow! A donation is required for Catholic Mission - you can donate here. https://www.socktober.org.au/fundraisers/StJohnsPrimarySchoolRiverstone
    746041150857862_1386098923518745-1

    30 Oct 2025

    From Facebook
    We wish our wonderful staff a Happy World Teacher's Day! We are so lucky to have such a dedicated team who teach, support and inspire our students every day! 😍

Latest News More news

746041150857862_1386237530171551-1

30 Oct 2025

From Facebook

A reminder that it is crazy sock day tomorrow! A donation is required for Catholic Mission - you can donate here. https://www.socktober.org.au/fundraisers/StJohnsPrimarySchoolRiverstone

746041150857862_1386098923518745-1

30 Oct 2025

From Facebook

We wish our wonderful staff a Happy World Teacher's Day! We are so lucky to have such a dedicated team who teach, support and inspire our students every day! 😍

Nagle Catholic College students

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Nagle College Launches New STEM Scholarship for Future Innovators

Nagle College Blacktown has announced the launch of the “Christine Howe STEM Academic Scholarship”, a new opportunity designed to support and inspire young women passionate about STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Students enrolling in Year 7 from 2026 are eligible to apply for the scholarship, which reflects the College’s ongoing commitment to excellence in learning within a supportive Catholic community.

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24 Oct 2025

From Facebook

And that’s a wrap! Swimming finished up with lifesaving skills today!

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24 Oct 2025

From Facebook

Stage three are up and enjoying breakfast before their second day of activities!

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23 Oct 2025

From Facebook

Dinner followed by the start of games night! Some tired faces after a big day. We’re sure we will sleep tight tonight. 😴 🤞 We’ll share more updates tomorrow.

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23 Oct 2025

From Facebook

What a great day of activities our stage 3 students are having! Archery, rock climbing, giant swing and more. Everyone is having a great time!

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23 Oct 2025

From Facebook

Kindy are all smiles at swimming!

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23 Oct 2025

From Facebook

Stage 3 have arrived at Collaroy for camp. We’ve had morning tea and we are ready for a day of activities.

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21 Oct 2025

From Facebook

What super swimmers! Freestyle, Backstroke- you name it, we’re learning it!

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20 Oct 2025

From Facebook

These faces say it all! We love swimming! 🥰

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17 Oct 2025

From Facebook

Year 2 have had so much fun at swimming this week! The students of St John’s have worked so hard this week- we are sure there are lots of tired eyes! Looking forward to the fun we will have next week!

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