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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26 Sep 2025
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26 Sep 2025
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2026 Parramatta Diocesan Team Sport Trials are OPEN! 📢 OPEN NOW (Term 4, 2025): Basketball Cricket Tennis AFL (trials in 2026) 📢 OPENING Thursday 27 November 2025: All other sports ✍️Who Can Nominate? Years 5 & 6 (2026): Eligible to nominate for all sports when they open. Year 4 (2026): Eligible to nominate for Basketball, Hockey, Softball, Tennis & Touch Football only. Eligibility & Requirements ✅ Trials are for students who can demonstrate: - Above average ability - High level of skill development - Representative playing experience (for some sports) - Regular competition experience outside of school (preferred) ✅ To be eligible: The 2026 CSPD Primary Sport TEAM Registration Form must be completed. One form per child, per sport. - Schools must approve nominations based on history and criteria. - All fields must be completed, especially Representative Experience where relevant. - No student will be eligible to trial without a completed and school-approved form submitted by the closing date. 👉 Nominate here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScn7SJOotJh1Yk_RuPym9iL8y4HQ3FHVx3v5HN_S1NlYqYKLQ/viewform Closing Dates: Cricket - nominations close 23rd October 2025. Basketball & Tennis - nominations close on 31st October 2025. AFL Boys - trials in early 2026 Any Questions? Please contact your school sports coordinator.