Current Polls & Surveys

Should children be prevented from attending school if they have not been vaccinated? *

Yes

Do you support the Australian Government Better Schools improvement plan? *

Yes

Yes, but not funded through cuts to universities

Not sure

Sub-sites

The best of students’ creative arts talent on show for Catholic Education’s silver jubilee

14/08/2012

recommend tweet share

The CAPTIVATE Primary Schools Choir closed the juibilee celebrations at Riverside Theatre

Courtney Rajnovic from Emmaus Catholic College, Kemps Creek perfomed her contemporary dance piece

Catholic Education celebrated its silver jubilee as a system of schools in the Diocese of Parramatta with a creative and performing arts presentation on Tuesday 7 August at Riverside Theatre.

More than 200 students from 36 schools across the diocese participated in music, dance, drama and visual arts presentations for an audience of around 400 parents, teachers, staff and friends.

The night featured performances by students who were nominated by their respective schools as well as individual and ensemble performances by students involved in Catholic Education’s creative and performing arts program, CAPTIVATE.

In welcoming guests to the performance, executive director of schools, Greg Whitby, particularly noted the presence of the Vicar General of the Diocese of Parramatta, Fr Peter Williams VG; dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Fr Wim Hoekstra; parish priest of St Oliver’s, Harris Park, Fr Arthur Bridge as well as executive director from the Catholic Education Office, Sydney, Dr Dan White and representatives from partner universities.

‘We gather here in celebration of our jubilee year and it is fitting that we have a celebration focused on the young people in our schools,’ said Greg. ‘CAPTIVATE recognises that we understand that we need both breadth and depth in our education and it is not just about marks and grades; it is about allowing young people to extend and stretch themselves across the spectrum.’

‘Through the generosity of our school communities giving of their staff, giving of their time and sharing their resources, we’ve been able to do some truly remarkable things,’ he said.

CAPTIVATE team leader, Mark Hopkins, said the night was an opportunity to celebrate the history of Catholic education and look forward to the future.

‘The ‘best of’ showcase represents the way students, schools and the system work together to achieve work that is committed to deep learning and high achievement,' said Mark.

More photos from the celebration can viewed on our Facebook page.