2018 Captivate shines during spectacular showcase performance

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.”

Written By

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

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⛳️ 2026 NSWCPS GOLF – 18 Hole Golf Selections⛳️ YEARS 3-6 ONLY Nominations are now open for the 2026 18-Hole Golf Tournament, to be held on 30 June 2026. **Registrations close: 5 June 2026** Eligibility: - Open to students in Years 3–6 - Must attend a NSW Catholic School affiliated with NSWCPS MacKillop - Entries are individual (not as a team or school) Division: 18-Hole Tournament only (no 9-hole division in 2026 due to high participation in 2025) Participants must have: - A Golf Link number - An official handicap This event is used to select Polding and MacKillop teams for the NSW PSSA State Carnival (September) Equipment & Dress: - Players must bring their own golf equipment (clubs, etc.) - Students must wear their school sports uniform (including jacket) - No caddies permitted (volunteer walkers welcome) Entry Process: -Entries must be completed online via the Catholic Schools NSW Sport portal (web address below) https://csnsw.sport/sports/mackillop-primary-southern-nsw/golf If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one After submitting, your school principal will receive an email for approval.