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.
VIDEO: A glimpse into the amazing Captivate performance
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
-
01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🌎 🌿 Year 5 Exploring Darug Country 🌿 🌎 Our Year 5 students have been exploring the rich history and geography of Darug Country through their English and Geography learning. As part of our Geography focus on “Factors that change environments,” students investigated how people have influenced and changed the natural environment over time. Through the Windsor Convict Walk Trail, students visited St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Windsor Courthouse, Macquarie Arms Hotel, Thompson Square, The Doctor’s House, the Hawkesbury River (Dyarubbin) and Old Windsor Hospital. Students explored how Darug Peoples have cared for and sustainably used Country for thousands of years, before examining how European settlement changed the landscape through farming, land clearing, roads, buildings and other infrastructure. They also considered how the Hawkesbury River provided food, water, fertile land and transport, while flooding influenced where people built and settled. This learning encouraged students to consider different perspectives and understand how people and the natural environment have shaped Windsor over time. #Year5 #DarugCountry #DharugCountry #LearningOnCountry #Geography #English #History #FactorsThatChangeEnvironments #Sustainability #FirstNationsPerspectives #DarugPeoples #Dyarubbin #HawkesburyRiver #WindsorNSW #WindsorHistory #LocalHistory #PlaceBasedLearning #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsPrimary #LearningBeyondTheClassroom31 Aug 2026
From Facebook
❄️ 💙 Winter Sleepout for the Vinnies Winter Appeal 💙 ❄️ Last Friday night, our school community came together for our Winter Stayout, helping to raise awareness and support for the Vinnies Winter Appeal and those experiencing homelessness in our community. A special thank you to the Bede Polding College student leaders who joined us and spoke with our families about their experiences supporting people who are homeless. Their stories were a wonderful reminder of the importance of compassion, generosity and looking out for those who are most vulnerable. Thank you to all of our students, families and staff who braved the cold, showed solidarity and helped shine a light on an important issue. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. #VinniesWinterAppeal #WinterSleepout #WinterStayout #Vinnies #CommunitySupport #CompassionInAction #KindnessMatters #HelpingOthers #HomelessnessAwareness #CommunitySpirit #Solidarity #CatholicEducation #CatholicSchools #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsPrimary #StMatthewsCommunity
More News
01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🌎 🌿 Year 5 Exploring Darug Country 🌿 🌎 Our Year 5 students have been exploring the rich history and geography of Darug Country through their English and Geography learning. As part of our Geography focus on “Factors that change environments,” students investigated how people have influenced and changed the natural environment over time. Through the Windsor Convict Walk Trail, students visited St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Windsor Courthouse, Macquarie Arms Hotel, Thompson Square, The Doctor’s House, the Hawkesbury River (Dyarubbin) and Old Windsor Hospital. Students explored how Darug Peoples have cared for and sustainably used Country for thousands of years, before examining how European settlement changed the landscape through farming, land clearing, roads, buildings and other infrastructure. They also considered how the Hawkesbury River provided food, water, fertile land and transport, while flooding influenced where people built and settled. This learning encouraged students to consider different perspectives and understand how people and the natural environment have shaped Windsor over time. #Year5 #DarugCountry #DharugCountry #LearningOnCountry #Geography #English #History #FactorsThatChangeEnvironments #Sustainability #FirstNationsPerspectives #DarugPeoples #Dyarubbin #HawkesburyRiver #WindsorNSW #WindsorHistory #LocalHistory #PlaceBasedLearning #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsPrimary #LearningBeyondTheClassroom
31 Aug 2026
From Facebook
❄️ 💙 Winter Sleepout for the Vinnies Winter Appeal 💙 ❄️ Last Friday night, our school community came together for our Winter Stayout, helping to raise awareness and support for the Vinnies Winter Appeal and those experiencing homelessness in our community. A special thank you to the Bede Polding College student leaders who joined us and spoke with our families about their experiences supporting people who are homeless. Their stories were a wonderful reminder of the importance of compassion, generosity and looking out for those who are most vulnerable. Thank you to all of our students, families and staff who braved the cold, showed solidarity and helped shine a light on an important issue. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. #VinniesWinterAppeal #WinterSleepout #WinterStayout #Vinnies #CommunitySupport #CompassionInAction #KindnessMatters #HelpingOthers #HomelessnessAwareness #CommunitySpirit #Solidarity #CatholicEducation #CatholicSchools #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsPrimary #StMatthewsCommunity
29 Aug 2026
From Facebook
🌿 🌏 Year 3 at Brewongle! 🌏 🌿 On Tuesday our Year 3 students became environmental detectives during an exciting day at Brewongle Environmental Education Centre! They investigated the mysterious “Tawny Tragedy”, exploring food, water and shelter while learning about habitats, native animals and ways we can care for our environment. It was a fantastic day of hands-on learning, teamwork and discovery! #Year3 #Brewongle #EnvironmentalEducation #EnvironmentalDetectives #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughDiscovery #Habitats #NativeAnimals #CaringForOurEnvironment #Teamwork #OutdoorLearning #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsPrimary
28 Aug 2026
Our schools are cracking the reading code
Do you remember how you learned to read? For a vital skill that is linked to all other learning, it’s surprisingly difficult to explain how to go about learning it.
20 Aug 2026
Six Habits That Help Children Develop a Love of Reading
Book Week is a celebration of stories, imagination and creativity, but helping children love reading isn't just something that happens during one week of the year. The good news? It doesn't take expensive resources or hours of extra time. Often, it's the small, everyday habits that make the biggest difference.
19 Aug 2026
NAPLAN results show Uplift across CSPD schools
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) is seeing encouraging signs of improvement in the latest NAPLAN results, with strong growth across a number of schools and year groups.
12 Aug 2026
From Facebook
🏆 🏉 Stage 3 Girls Touch Football 🏉 🏆 Congratulations to our Year 6 girls’ team on an incredible achievement, finishing the day undefeated and topping their pool! Their commitment, teamwork and determination were on display in every game. #StMatthewsWindsor #TouchFootball #PrimarySport #Teamwork #SchoolPride #FutureChampions #GoTeam
11 Aug 2026
From Facebook
⛪️ 🙏 Confirmation Mass 🙏 ⛪️ Congratulations to our students who recently celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation, saying “Yes” to God and receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We are so proud of each of you as you continue your faith journey. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you always. #StMatthewsWindsor #Confirmation #SacramentOfConfirmation #FaithJourney #HolySpirit #CatholicEducation #GrowingInFaith
09 Aug 2026
From Facebook
🙏🏻 💫 Faith in Action Awards - Term 3 Week 3 💫 🙏🏻 Congratulations to our learners who put their Faith in Action this week by letting their light shine. Through their kindness, compassion, service and commitment to living out our school values, they have been wonderful role models for others. #FaithInAction #LetYourLightShine #BeTheLight #CatholicEducation #LivingOurFaith #GospelValues #FaithAndLearning #StudentAchievement #SchoolCommunity #CelebratingSuccess #KindnessInAction #StMatthews
08 Aug 2026
From Facebook
✈️🪽 Flying High Awards and Wings – Term 3, Week 3 🪽✈️ Congratulations to this week’s Flying High Award and Wing recipients! These learners have consistently demonstrated what it means to be Safe, Respectful and Responsible Learners. We are incredibly proud of their positive attitude, dedication and commitment to our school values. Keep up the fantastic work! #FlyingHighAwards #FlyingHighWings #SafeRespectfulResponsible #StudentSuccess #SchoolValues #PositiveLearners #ProudSchoolCommunity #CelebratingSuccess #StudentAchievement #StMatthews
08 Aug 2026
From Facebook
⭐️ 🏆 Principal Awards - Term 3, Week 3 🏆 ⭐️ Mr Ticehurst is proud to recognise this week’s Principal Award recipients, who have demonstrated positive learning habits and maintained a growth mindset. We celebrate their achievement and consistent effort as they strive for their personal best. #PrincipalAwards #StudentAchievement #GrowthMindset #PositiveLearning #LearningExcellence #StudentSuccess #SchoolPride #CelebratingSuccess #PersonalBest #FutureLeaders #StMatthews
07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
⛪️🙏🏻 Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day 🙏🏻⛪️ Today we gathered together in prayer to celebrate the Feast Day of Australia’s first Saint. Mary MacKillop was a woman of great love who was always others-centred, ensuring that schooling was an option for children living in poverty. Her words, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” continue to inspire us today. Saint Mary MacKillop encourages us as Catholics to be of service to others and to hear the call of those in need. #SaintMaryMacKillop #MaryMacKillop #FeastDay #CatholicEducation #FaithInAction #ServingOthers #CatholicSchools #StMatthewsWindsor #Prayer #AustralianSaint #LiveLikeMaryMacKillop
07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
⭐️ 👨🏫 Primary Principal’s Day! 👨🏫 ⭐️ Today we celebrate and thank our wonderful Principal, Mr Ticehurst, for his outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication, and genuine care for every member of our school community. Mr Ticehurst leads with kindness, integrity, and a passion for helping every student reach their full potential. Through his faith, encouragement, and example, he inspires our students and staff to let their light shine each day by showing compassion, striving for excellence, and serving others with generosity. His commitment to creating a welcoming, supportive, and faith-filled environment makes St Matthew’s a place where everyone is encouraged to grow, belong, and flourish. Thank you, Mr Ticehurst, for your vision, encouragement, and the countless ways you make St Matthew’s such a special place to learn and thrive. Your leadership shines brightly, inspiring others to do the same. We are incredibly grateful for all that you do and are so fortunate to have you as our Principal. Happy Primary Principal’s Day! ✨ “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 ✨ #PrimaryPrincipalsDay #ThankYouPrincipal #LetYourLightShine #Matthew516 #CatholicEducation #CatholicSchools #StMatthewsWindsor #SchoolCommunity #LeadingWithHeart #FaithInAction #MakingADifference
06 Aug 2026
From Facebook
☀️ 🏉 Stage 3 Touch Football Gala Day 🏉 ☀️ Last week, our Stage 3 boys’ and girls’ teams proudly represented our school at the Touch Football Gala Day, demonstrating excellent teamwork, sportsmanship and determination throughout the day. A special congratulations to our Year 6 girls’ team, who finished the day undefeated and won their pool with an outstanding display of skill, determination and teamwork. Well done to all of our students for representing St Matthew’s with pride, enthusiasm and great sportsmanship. We are so proud of your efforts! #StMatthewsWindsor #TouchFootball #SchoolSport #Teamwork #Sportsmanship #ProudToBeStMatthews #CatholicSchools #PrimarySport #GoTeam
05 Aug 2026
From Facebook
⛪️🙏🏻 Confirmation Mass 🙏🏻⛪️ Over three special evenings last week, the students of St Matthew’s proudly celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation, saying “Yes” to God and receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These beautiful celebrations marked an important milestone in each student’s faith journey. Surrounded by their families, sponsors, teachers and parish community, they took this significant step with faith and courage. We are incredibly proud of all of our newly confirmed students. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and strengthen you as you grow in faith and live out God’s love each day. Congratulations to all of our Confirmation candidates. #Confirmation #SacramentOfConfirmation #CatholicEducation #FaithJourney #HolySpirit #CatholicSchools #StMatthewsPrimary #StMatthewsWindsor #SchoolCommunity #GrowingInFaith #CatholicLife #Blessed