Captivate shines during spectacular showcase performance

The Captivate Choir lead by David Russell from the Captivate team

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.

Students performing as part of the showcase

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.

Dancers performing on stage

“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.”

The Quaycentre at Olympic Park where the showcase was held

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.

The grand finale

“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

Facebook

21 Oct 2025
From Facebook
More photos and highlight reel from last weeks Mental Fitness Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase where Charlotte, Annalise and Natalia presented their idea for the Buddy Bench. - Gotcha4Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpiW5LXkQgU

16 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase – University of Western Sydney, Kingswood October 15, 2025 Yesterday, three Year 5 students, Annalise, Charlotte and Natalia, represented Holy Family Luddenham at the Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase presented by Gotcha4Life Foundation. Last term, Mentally Fit Primary Schools launched the Student Voice Project, with the goal of empowering students to become mental fitness leaders within their school community. In partnership with Gotcha4Life, students were encouraged to promote mental fitness (to build your emotional muscle, to never worry alone, and embrace your village). The students designed a wonderful initiative called the Buddy Bench. The Buddy Bench aims to reduce loneliness and provide a safe space for students in the playground. It signals that a student is feeling lonely and that student would like someone to play or talk with. To further support peer connection, the team developed Conversation Cards with thoughtful prompts to help students start positive discussions while at the bench. The staff and students at Holy Family are incredibly proud of our Year 5 students for their creativity, compassion, and leadership. The Gotcha4Life Foundation extend their thanks to all the Year5 students for their inspiring contributions and for the enthusiasm displayed during this project. Special thanks to the Year 5 students who presented at the Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase. Thank you for your dedication and hard work in preparing for this showcase — you should be extremely proud of yourselves and the positive impact your project will have on our school community. At the event, Gus Worland spoke passionately about the importance of teaching young people about mental fitness and breaking the negative stigma surrounding mental health. Let’s continue to work together to Build a Mentally Fit School and Community — Build your emotional muscle. Never worry alone. Embrace your village. Let's Build Mental Fitness For more information, visit https://www.gotcha4life.org/programs/primaryschools