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.”
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07 May 2026
From Facebook
π A long time ago in a school not so far awayβ¦ π More from Year 2's Star Wars Day:) β May the 4th be with you! β #ChristTheKing #MayThe4th #StarWarsDay #LearningWithTheForce #SchoolCommunity
07 May 2026
From Facebook
π CTK Supporting the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal π Dear CTK Families, We are proud to once again support the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal at Christ the King Primary. This important initiative helps provide βStarter Packsβ, essential household items for individuals and families rebuilding their lives after hardship, domestic violence or homelessness. Thanks to your incredible generosity last year, we made a meaningful difference in our local community. This year, our goal is to donate at least 25 complete Starter Packs, and we would love your support again! ποΈ Grade Donation List: β’ Kindergarten β Kitchen utensils β’ Year 1 β Kettle β’ Year 2 β Toaster β’ Year 3 β Pots and pans β’ Year 4 β Dinner set β’ Year 5 β Cutlery set β’ Year 6 β Drinking glasses / cups / mugs (4β6 pack) π All items are to be new and unopened (affordable options from stores like Kmart or Target are perfect). π Donations due: Friday, 15 May 2026 π Pyjama Day! On this same day, students are invited to wear their warm pyjamas and sneakers to school to help raise awareness and show support for this important cause. Your generosity truly makes a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for supporting our mission to care for those in need. π #CTKCommunity #WinterAppeal #StVincentDePaul #MakingADifference
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07 May 2026
From Facebook
π A long time ago in a school not so far awayβ¦ π More from Year 2's Star Wars Day:) β May the 4th be with you! β #ChristTheKing #MayThe4th #StarWarsDay #LearningWithTheForce #SchoolCommunity
07 May 2026
From Facebook
π CTK Supporting the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal π Dear CTK Families, We are proud to once again support the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal at Christ the King Primary. This important initiative helps provide βStarter Packsβ, essential household items for individuals and families rebuilding their lives after hardship, domestic violence or homelessness. Thanks to your incredible generosity last year, we made a meaningful difference in our local community. This year, our goal is to donate at least 25 complete Starter Packs, and we would love your support again! ποΈ Grade Donation List: β’ Kindergarten β Kitchen utensils β’ Year 1 β Kettle β’ Year 2 β Toaster β’ Year 3 β Pots and pans β’ Year 4 β Dinner set β’ Year 5 β Cutlery set β’ Year 6 β Drinking glasses / cups / mugs (4β6 pack) π All items are to be new and unopened (affordable options from stores like Kmart or Target are perfect). π Donations due: Friday, 15 May 2026 π Pyjama Day! On this same day, students are invited to wear their warm pyjamas and sneakers to school to help raise awareness and show support for this important cause. Your generosity truly makes a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for supporting our mission to care for those in need. π #CTKCommunity #WinterAppeal #StVincentDePaul #MakingADifference
07 May 2026
From Facebook
ππ Reminder: Rosary Tomorrow Morning ππ You are warmly invited to join our school and parish community in praying the Rosary tomorrow, Friday May 1 at 8:15am at Christ the King Catholic Church. Come together in faith and prayer as we honour Mary and grow closer to Christ. βοΈ All families are most welcome. πΉπ
06 May 2026
From Facebook
π A long time ago in a school not so far awayβ¦ π Last Monday, our students celebrated Star Wars Day in galactic style for May the 4th! From Jedi training to creative activities, the Force was strong across our classrooms. There were smiles, laughter, and plenty of Star Wars spirit as students embraced teamwork, imagination, and fun. We may have even spotted a few Jedi Masters walking around the school! β¨ Thank you to our wonderful staff and students for making the day such a success. β May the 4th be with you! β #ChristTheKing #MayThe4th #StarWarsDay #LearningWithTheForce #SchoolCommunity #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #catholicschoolsparramatta #cspd2026
06 May 2026
From Facebook
β¨π Staff Formation Day πβ¨ Our staff recently gathered at the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre, Baulkham Hills for a wonderful day of faith, reflection and learning ππ A truly enriching and faith-filled day together β¨π
05 May 2026
From Facebook
πβ¨ Toddler Story Time at Christ the King β¨π All babies, toddlers and pre schoolers, along with their parents, grandparents or carers, are warmly invited to join us! π Friday 15 May 2026 β° 9:00 β 9:30 am π Mary MacKillop Parish Hall, Christ the King Primary School Enjoy a fun and engaging story time led by our CTK staff, perfect for little ones aged 0β5 years! πΆπ§π¦ Feel free to bring a friend along π π§ For any questions, please contact Monica Burley via email mvella4@parra.catholic.edu.au
04 May 2026
From Facebook
πΊπ¦πΊ Lest We Forget π¦πΊπΊ Thank you to our wonderful school community for coming together to reverently commemorate ANZAC Day last week. Your respect and participation helped make it a truly meaningful occasion. We are also so grateful to our wider community who joined us in remembrance. It was beautiful to stand together in honour of the courage, sacrifice and spirit of our servicemen and women. β€οΈ Lest we forget β€οΈ
04 May 2026
From Facebook
ππ Thank You, CTK Community for Joining us to Pray the Rosary ππ A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful FIAT students, and our school and parish community for coming together this morning to pray the Rosary. Your reverence, leadership and participation created a beautiful and prayerful start to the day πΏβ¨ We are so grateful to share these special moments of faith together as a community. We look forward to coming together again next week on Friday 8 May 2026 at 8:15 am in Christ the King Catholic Church βͺ ππ Thank you for being part of it ππ #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #CTKCommunity #ChristTheKing #CTKNorthRocks #faithinactioncspd
01 May 2026
From Facebook
πΈπ REMINDER: CTK Celebrates Mother's Day ππΈ We warmly invite you to join us on Friday, May 8, 2026, as we honour and celebrate the incredible mothers and mother figures in our CTK community. π You are welcome to be part of as much or as little of the morning as you wish, we would love to see you there! π πΈ For our photo montage this year, please send any updated photos directly to mvella4@parra.catholic.edu.au Photos are due by COB Friday May 1, 2026. If you submitted a photo last year and are happy for it to be used again, there is no need to re-send it. π π Please RSVP by Friday, May 1, 2026, via the Google Form Mother's Day RSVP 2026 so we can plan the catering accordingly. β¨ We look forward to celebrating with you! β¨
30 Apr 2026
From Facebook
ππ Whole School Rosary β Family Invitation ππ During the month of May, we warmly invite our CTK families and the Parish community to join us for our Whole School Rosary at Christ the King Catholic Church. Our FIAT students will be leading this special time of prayer, welcoming our community and sharing their faith. π Fridays in May: May 1 | May 8 | May 15 | May 22 β° Time: 8:15am This is a beautiful opportunity to come together in prayer as a parish and school community. All families are most welcome to attend. π We look forward to joining together to pray this beautiful devotional prayer. β¨ #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #CTKCommunity #ChristTheKing #CTKNorthRocks #faithinactioncspd
29 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to Kamil in Year 6, who has been selected into the CSPD Football team to compete in the upcoming MacKillop trials. β½οΈπ₯ π
29 Apr 2026
From Facebook
πΈπ REMINDER: CTK Celebrates Mother's Day ππΈ We warmly invite you to join us on Friday, May 8, 2026, as we honour and celebrate the incredible mothers and mother figures in our CTK community. π You are welcome to be part of as much or as little of the morning as you wish, we would love to see you there! π πΈ For our photo montage this year, please send any updated photos directly to mvella4@parra.catholic.edu.au Photos are due by COB Friday May 1, 2026. If you submitted a photo last year and are happy for it to be used again, there is no need to re-send it. π π Please RSVP by Friday, May 1, 2026, via the Google Form Mother's Day RSVP 2026 so we can plan the catering accordingly. β¨ We look forward to celebrating with you! β¨