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
-
![612596187321775_757318796182846-1]()
06 Jun 2023
From Facebook
A message for any of the Stage Three boys attending the Soccer Gala Day tomorrow.![612596187321775_757205052860887-1]()
06 Jun 2023
From Facebook
We are getting ready for the Primary Athletics Carnival. Let the cheering begin. 📣
More News
06 Jun 2023
From Facebook
A message for any of the Stage Three boys attending the Soccer Gala Day tomorrow.
06 Jun 2023
From Facebook
We are getting ready for the Primary Athletics Carnival. Let the cheering begin. 📣
06 Jun 2023
From Facebook
Yesterday we had the opportunity to obsever some Aboriginal cultural experiences. Due to the rain we were unable to paint our story poles but each grade had some time with Graham to design the story poles, respecting the Aboriginal culture. We are very excited to show you the finished product in the coming weeks.
05 Jun 2023
From Facebook
Congratulations to our St Paul and Student of the Week award recipients for Week 6 Term 2! 👏🏼
04 Jun 2023
From Facebook
Congratulations to our children who received their first Holy communion tonight. Thank you Fr Abraham for supporting our children during the celebration.
03 Jun 2023
From Facebook
Congratulations on your First Holy Communion, St Paul the Apostle students & community - Saturday evening. May the Lord bless you & keep you safe.
03 Jun 2023
From Facebook
On Friday, some of our Year 6 students participated in the first round of the Hills Cluster Debating Competition. Our affirmative and negative teams delivered engaging and convincing debates, both coming away with the win. The rest of Year 6 were fantastic audience members, showing respect to the debaters by listening attentively. Well done to all involved 👏🏼
03 Jun 2023
From Facebook
We wish our Year 4 students God’s blessings as they prepare to receive their First Holy Communion this weekend.
29 May 2023
From Facebook
29 May 2023
From Facebook
27 May 2023
From Facebook
Friday Book Buddy session ✍️ Yesterday, Year Five and Year One spent some time together completing a colouring activity. The worksheet today was very significant as it included words that are associated with National Sorry Day. Before Year Five met with their Book Buddies, they discussed what this day meant. The children acknowledged the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experienced great hardship as a result of the Stolen Generation. This day marks the start of Reconciliation Week, where we can continue to assist with the healing of our Indigenous people by sharing their history and culture with the current generation.
25 May 2023
From Facebook
Year 6 have got our seats and eagerly waiting for the Writers festival to start.
25 May 2023
From Facebook
24 May 2023
From Facebook
Today the students participated in National Simultaneous Storytime. Students and teachers all read the same book ‘The Speedy Sloth’ by Rebecca Young & Heath McKenzie. The focus for NSS is to foster a sense of enjoyment and excitement around reading.
24 May 2023
From Facebook
Well done to everyone who participated in the Soccer Gala Day today! All girls displayed great teamwork and represented St Paul’s proudly. A massive thank you to Miss Rudd and Miss Lezon for making sure the day ran smoothly, the parents who kindly volunteered to coach the teams and all of the parents and family members who supported the children throughout the day.