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
-
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
This week we reflected on the events of Holy Week. Our students displayed beautiful reverence as we recounted the important events in our Catholic Faith. When we return to school, we will celebrate the joy of the Resurrection. We wish all our families a safe and happy break.
30 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Thank you to everyone for your generous egg donations. Tickets can still be purchased at the Easter hat parade in the morning.
Latest News More news
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
This week we reflected on the events of Holy Week. Our students displayed beautiful reverence as we recounted the important events in our Catholic Faith. When we return to school, we will celebrate the joy of the Resurrection. We wish all our families a safe and happy break.
30 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Thank you to everyone for your generous egg donations. Tickets can still be purchased at the Easter hat parade in the morning.
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.
19 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrated Harmony Day! Our students looked absolutely magnificent in their cultural dress and orange. 🧡 A special mention to our students who shared their cultural talents - you did an amazing job.
16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 6 students at school did their own walk for water ending at the Kitchen Garden to water our plants.
16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 6 leaders are participating in Walk for Water today in Parramatta with lots of other schools in the Parramatta Diocese. Meanwhile at school, our Year 6 students participated in a shorter 30 minute walk in solidarity with people suffering around the world. It’s not too late to donate, we are very close to our target!! - https://www.projectcompassion.org.au/fundraisers/StJohnsPrimarySchoolRiverstone?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=print
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?
08 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Mark Taylor Shield Cricket match between St John’s and St Andrew’s is postponed on Monday 9/3 due to wet weather - new date TBA.
02 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This morning we welcomed Warren Kirby MP Member for Riverstone to share and see our musical garden. Mr Kirby supported St John’s with a community grant as part of bettering community facilities and our students have loved using the garden each day. Thank you Mr Kirby for supporting St John’s and improving our playground facilities. 🎶
26 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Our students are ready to swim fast today at the Hills Zone swimming carnival. 🏊
25 Feb 2026
From Facebook
What a great day of learning we had! We have some very tired stage 2 students. Due to traffic we will be late arriving back. Please see compass for updates.