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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01 Jul 2026
From Facebook
π Year 2 Showcase π Thank you to all the families who joined us for our Year 2 Showcase. We were so excited to share a snapshot of our learning this term. Our prayer songs have been at the heart of our daily classroom life, helping us to pray, show kindness, and remember that God is always with us. The students loved performing three of their favourites: Tickery Tock, God United, and My Lighthouse. We also shared our History learning, where we explored how communication has changed over time from the past to the many ways we connect today, including phones, emails, and video calls. Families also enjoyed viewing our creative clay sculptures, where students had the freedom to design and create their own unique artworks. We are so proud of all the students for their hard work and enthusi#CTKNorthRocks More photos to come:) #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #CTKCommunity #ChristTheKing #CTKNorthRocks
30 Jun 2026
From Facebook
βοΈπ CTK Family Winter Sleepout Challenge πβοΈ This July, we invite all Christ the King families to take part in our Family Winter Sleepout Challenge. π Spend some time together outside on a piece of cardboard in your backyard or on your balcony. π Pray for people experiencing homelessness. π₯£ Share a simple meal such as soup and bread. π Reflect on what it might be like to live without a safe place to sleep or regular meals. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow in empathy, gratitude and compassion while supporting the important work of Vinnies. πΈ We'd love to see your family taking part! Send your photos to the school. Together, let's make a difference for those in need. β€οΈ #CTKFamilyChallenge #WinterSleepout #FaithInAction #Vinnies #CompassionInAction
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01 Jul 2026
From Facebook
π Year 2 Showcase π Thank you to all the families who joined us for our Year 2 Showcase. We were so excited to share a snapshot of our learning this term. Our prayer songs have been at the heart of our daily classroom life, helping us to pray, show kindness, and remember that God is always with us. The students loved performing three of their favourites: Tickery Tock, God United, and My Lighthouse. We also shared our History learning, where we explored how communication has changed over time from the past to the many ways we connect today, including phones, emails, and video calls. Families also enjoyed viewing our creative clay sculptures, where students had the freedom to design and create their own unique artworks. We are so proud of all the students for their hard work and enthusi#CTKNorthRocks More photos to come:) #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #CTKCommunity #ChristTheKing #CTKNorthRocks
30 Jun 2026
From Facebook
βοΈπ CTK Family Winter Sleepout Challenge πβοΈ This July, we invite all Christ the King families to take part in our Family Winter Sleepout Challenge. π Spend some time together outside on a piece of cardboard in your backyard or on your balcony. π Pray for people experiencing homelessness. π₯£ Share a simple meal such as soup and bread. π Reflect on what it might be like to live without a safe place to sleep or regular meals. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow in empathy, gratitude and compassion while supporting the important work of Vinnies. πΈ We'd love to see your family taking part! Send your photos to the school. Together, let's make a difference for those in need. β€οΈ #CTKFamilyChallenge #WinterSleepout #FaithInAction #Vinnies #CompassionInAction
29 Jun 2026
From Facebook
π Congratulations to our Bronze and Silver Award Recipients! π At last week's assembly, we celebrated students who have reached important milestones in our Whole School Reward System. π π These awards recognise students who consistently make positive choices and demonstrate our school values each day. Their dedication, effort and commitment have earned them either a Bronze Award (100 tokens) or a Silver Award (200 tokens)! π We are incredibly proud of all our award recipients and look forward to celebrating more student achievements throughout the year. Keep up the fantastic work! β #ChristTheKing #StudentAchievement #PositiveChoices #BronzeAward #SilverAward #ProudSchoolCommunity
28 Jun 2026
From Facebook
πβ¨ Congratulations to Our First Holy Communion Students β¨π Last weekend, many of our students celebrated the special milestone of receiving their First Holy Communion. πβͺ We congratulate all of our candidates and their families on this sacred occasion and are so proud of the faith, reverence, and commitment they have shown throughout their preparation. π A heartfelt thank you to Fr Ian, our CTK staff, parish community, and families for supporting our students on this important step in their faith journey. π May God continue to bless our students and their families as they grow in faith, love, and friendship with Jesus. πβοΈ #FirstHolyCommunion #CTKCommunity #FaithJourney #Blessed
27 Jun 2026
From Facebook
ππ Celebrating Our CTK Award Recipients! π π Last week, we proudly recognised our amazing CTK students who received awards for their hard work, positive attitude and commitment to their learning! ππ We are so proud of the way you strive to do your best and live out our school values each day. Keep shining and being wonderful role models in our community! β¨π Congratulations to all of our award recipients! ππ
26 Jun 2026
From Facebook
β½οΈπ¦πΊ WORLD CUP SPIRIT AT CTK! π¦πΊβ½οΈ Our students brought all the energy, color, and passion today to cheer on the Socceroos! The school was absolutely buzzing with green and gold. We are so proud of the incredible team spirit on display. Let's go, Aussies! ππ #socceroos #WorldCup2026 #greenandgold #schoolspirit #GoAussies
26 Jun 2026
From Facebook
A big THANK YOU π to the wonderful mums, grandparents and our gorgeous little toddlers who joined us for our second Toddler Story Time this morning! πβ¨ It was so special to see our little visitors enjoying stories, craft, play and making new friendships in our Christ the King community. π§Έπ¨π We cannot wait to welcome everyone back next term for another fun-filled Toddler Story Time. If you missed out this term, we'd love to see you there! π Thank you for being part of our growing community, we look forward to seeing all of our little visitors again soon! ππ
17 Jun 2026
From Facebook
As part of our Religion and Sustainability learning, the Year 2 students created a picture of their ideal world. They imagined what the Earth would look like if everyone cared for God's creation by looking after the environment, helping others, and making responsible choices. Through their artwork, the students shared their hopes for a cleaner, kinder, and more sustainable world for future generations.
06 Jun 2026
From Facebook
More happy faces enjoying our Biggest Morning Tea. If you would still like to donate, here is the link:) https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/ctknr43390
04 Jun 2026
From Facebook
π©π CTK Supports Australiaβs Biggest Morning Tea ππ© Take a look at some of our Kindy and Year 2 students enjoying their Big Morning Tea:) Thank you, thank you to everyone who has supported our page so far. It will be open for a little while yet so please consider donating to this worthy cause. βπ© https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/ctknr43390 ππ #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #CTKCommunity #ChristTheKing #CTKNorthRocks #faithinactioncspd
04 Jun 2026
What Your Child Really Learns in the First 100 Days of School
One moment your child is holding your hand at the school gate and before you know it, they're walking in confidently, greeting friends by name, carrying their own bag, and coming home full of stories about 'assembly' and 'sport'. Hereβs what to expect in their first 100 days of Kindergarten.
03 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Our students have been building their frisbee skills during PE, learning how to throw, catch, and work together through fun games and activities! π₯ From improving hand-eye coordination to developing teamwork and perseverance, everyone had a fantastic time staying active while learning new skills. Well done to all our students for giving it a go and showing great sportsmanship! π #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #CTKCommunity #ChristTheKing #CTKNorthRocks