The curtain has closed on the fifth annual Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod after a memorable night of performances at the event Showcase on Tuesday night.
Held for the first time at the Seymour Centre, the Showcase brought together 12 standout performances from this year’s Eisteddfod, representing the brightest student talent across dance, drama, instrumental and vocal categories.
Hosted by New Zealand-Australian actor and singer Jay Laga’aia, best known for his roles in Star Wars and Play School, the night was the culmination of 25 days of Eisteddfod competition, which saw the involvement of more than 10,000 students, nearly 200 teachers and 131 schools.
It was also an opportunity to crown the winning school of this year’s Eisteddfod, with St Vincent’s College Ashfield taking out the top spot, having received the most points throughout the competition. It was a deserving honour for St Vincent’s, after the college finished second in last year’s Eisteddfod.
In second place were last year’s winners St John Bosco Catholic Primary School Engadine, while 2022 and 2023 winners St Charles Catholic Primary School Ryde came in third place.
Adding to the celebrations, two new awards were presented at the Showcase, recognising the outstanding contributions and achievements of SCS teachers.
Schools were able to nominate teachers who have made a significant and lasting impact in the Performing Arts within their communities, with 92 nominations being received across both primary and secondary schools.
From those nominations, Michelle White from St John Bosco Catholic Primary School Engadine was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Primary Performing Arts Teacher Exemplary Service Award, and Adam Scicluna from Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton received the Secondary Performing Arts Teacher Exemplary Service Award.
Since it began in 2021, the Eisteddfod has had a vision of ensuring that every student in every classroom has an opportunity to perform on stage and receive feedback from industry professionals and adjudicators.
Participation has soared year after year, from 2,486 students in 2021 to 10,838 in 2025, making it one of the largest celebrations of student artistry in the state.
This remarkable growth not only reflects the talent and enthusiasm of students, but also the deep commitment of teachers, school leaders and the wider community in fostering a culture where the arts are valued and celebrated.
With plans already underway for 2026, the Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod will be continuing to champion the arts as a vital part of a holistic Catholic education.
Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod Showcase Performers
Cultural Dance
- Patrician Brothers College Fairfield
Contemporary Lyrical Dance
- Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood
- St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove
- Meriden School Strathfield
- LaSalle Catholic College Bankstown
Hip Hop
- St Raphael’s Catholic Primary School Hurstville
- Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington
Vocal
- All Saints Catholic College Liverpool
- Bethany College Hurstville
- St Vincent’s College Ashfield
- St Clare’s College Waverley
Drama
- Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School Carnes Hill
- St Catherine Labourè Catholic Primary School Gymea
Rock
- LaSalle College Bankstown
Concert Band
- St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney
