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
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21 Aug 2026
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π STUDENT SUCCESS | LIAM MAKES HISTORY! π What an incredible day for Liam in Year 6 at yesterdayβs 2026 Nepean Zone Athletics Carnival! πββοΈπͺ Liam had a huge day, competing across every event and showing outstanding skill, determination and sportsmanship. He proudly represented St Nicholas of Myra and certainly let his St Nickβs School Spirit shine! π₯ Gold β 100m π₯ Gold β 200m π₯ Gold β Shot Put π₯ Gold β Discus And there was something extra special about his Discus victoryβ¦ Liam threw an incredible 40.99m to set a NEW Nepean Zone Discus Record! π€―π As a reward for his outstanding results at the 2026 Nepean Zone Athletics Carnival, Liam was named the 2026 Nepean Zone Senior Boys Champion! π₯π These achievements are a fantastic reward for the hours of hard work, practice and dedication Liam has put into his athletics. Congratulations, Liam! We are incredibly proud of you. What an amazing achievement! ππ₯
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We have some exciting news to share! π Congratulations to our amazing Stage 3 athletes, Liam and Celine, who will represent St Nicholas of Myra at the 2026 CSPD Athletics Carnival on Friday, 28th August! π π¨ Liam will compete in the: π 100m π 200m π₯ Shot Put π₯ Discus πββοΈ Celine will compete in: π Long Jump What a fantastic achievement for both Liam and Celine to qualify for this event! We are incredibly proud of you both! Give it your best, challenge yourself and show everyone the St Nick's School Spirit! ππ The entire St Nicholas of Myra community is right behind you! π Good luck, Liam and Celine! ππ
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21 Aug 2026
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π STUDENT SUCCESS | LIAM MAKES HISTORY! π What an incredible day for Liam in Year 6 at yesterdayβs 2026 Nepean Zone Athletics Carnival! πββοΈπͺ Liam had a huge day, competing across every event and showing outstanding skill, determination and sportsmanship. He proudly represented St Nicholas of Myra and certainly let his St Nickβs School Spirit shine! π₯ Gold β 100m π₯ Gold β 200m π₯ Gold β Shot Put π₯ Gold β Discus And there was something extra special about his Discus victoryβ¦ Liam threw an incredible 40.99m to set a NEW Nepean Zone Discus Record! π€―π As a reward for his outstanding results at the 2026 Nepean Zone Athletics Carnival, Liam was named the 2026 Nepean Zone Senior Boys Champion! π₯π These achievements are a fantastic reward for the hours of hard work, practice and dedication Liam has put into his athletics. Congratulations, Liam! We are incredibly proud of you. What an amazing achievement! ππ₯
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From Facebook
We have some exciting news to share! π Congratulations to our amazing Stage 3 athletes, Liam and Celine, who will represent St Nicholas of Myra at the 2026 CSPD Athletics Carnival on Friday, 28th August! π π¨ Liam will compete in the: π 100m π 200m π₯ Shot Put π₯ Discus πββοΈ Celine will compete in: π Long Jump What a fantastic achievement for both Liam and Celine to qualify for this event! We are incredibly proud of you both! Give it your best, challenge yourself and show everyone the St Nick's School Spirit! ππ The entire St Nicholas of Myra community is right behind you! π Good luck, Liam and Celine! ππ
19 Aug 2026
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πββοΈπββοΈ Nepean Zone Athletics Carnival 2026! πββοΈπββοΈ Yesterday, our St Nicholas of Myra students competed at the 2026 Nepean Zone Athletics Carnival in Blacktown, taking on some of the best young athletes from across the Zone. Our students showed incredible skill, determination and sportsmanship, giving their very best and challenging themselves across their events. πͺ The most pleasing aspect of the day was seeing our students supporting, encouraging and celebrating each other. They truly demonstrated the St Nickβs School Spirit throughout the carnival! A huge THANK YOU to all the parents and teachers who supported our students and helped make the day such a success. We are so proud of you. Go St Nickβs! π
19 Aug 2026
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πββοΈπββοΈ NEPEAN ZONE ATHLETICS 2026! π We wish the very best of luck to our 31 St Nicholas of Myra students who are representing our school at the 2026 Nepean Zone Athletics Carnival! ππ Remember: Try your best, challenge yourself, encourage others and never give up! πͺ Go out there, have fun and show them the St Nickβs school spirit! We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you. Go St Nickβs! βοΈ
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ππ BOOK WEEK! ππ Today, our students had the very special experience of being taught by the Stars of St Nicholas of Myra! βπΈ And donβt our teachers look fantastic in their colourful tops and custom Book Week shirts?! ππ They certainly brought the school spirit, the energy and a little bit of rockstar magic, with a bit of a Wiggles twist to the classroom! πΆ A huge THANK YOU to our incredible teachers who show the St Nickβs spirit each and every day. πππ§‘
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12 Aug 2026
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π¦π€ Voice of Youth 2026 π€π¦ Today, Isabella, Vivien and Yethum from Year 6 proudly represented St Nicholas of Myra at the 2026 Voice of Youth Penrith Cluster Final. Each student delivered a powerful and memorable speech. π€β¨ π± Vivien spoke about the importance of our daily habits and how small choices can completely change who we become. π Isabella shared a heartfelt message about treasuring what we have and appreciating the people and moments in our lives before it is too late. π¦ Yethum delivered a powerful speech encouraging us all to embrace the lionβs mentality and approach everything we do with courage, determination and confidence. We could not be prouder of the effort, persistence, courage and skill shown by all three students. Each member of the St Nicholas of Myra community can be incredibly proud of the way you represented our school today. π π And in some very exciting newsβ¦ Vivien was presented with the Social Justice Award! π π Isabella was named the Overall Cluster Champion! π Isabella will now progress to the Diocesan level, where she will proudly represent St Nickβs once again. What an outstanding achievement and a wonderful reward for her hard work, dedication and commitment. Congratulations Isabella, Vivien and Yethum. You have made us incredibly proud! π€π¦π
07 Aug 2026
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07 Aug 2026
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