performing arts | Sydney Catholic Schools

Four ways to nurture your child’s interest in the arts

Performing and visual arts present so many opportunities for students to experience, discover, experiment, and learn.

Here are four ways to nurture your child’s interest as they develop a passion for creativity – and the life skills and confidence that come with it.

Build their confidence

Whether their curiosity leans towards drama, art, music, dance, or other forms of creative expression, there is great value in helping children to embrace their natural talent.

Manager of Creative and Performing Arts at Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS), Danielle Fuller, has worked in the creative and performing arts industry for more than 30 years as an educator, director, musician, and performer.

Danielle said the best way to encourage a child who shows an interest in the arts is to encourage them to get involved in creative activities, giving them time and space to develop their confidence within their chosen activity.

“Children are innately curious and will enthusiastically engage in creative play if given the opportunity,” she said.

“It is through creative expression that a child’s emotional wellbeing is supported.” – Danielle Fuller

Lead with positivity

Communication and expression are two ways children react to what they see, hear and experience.

As they develop their thoughts, feelings and ideas it is important that they receive positive feedback from those around them.

“Praising them is important and enabling them to find the area that they feel most confident in is also important,” Mrs Fuller said.

“Parents can support this at home through positive language, listening and discussing the challenges.”

“One of the best times to encourage children to continue learning is at the times when they are unsure about their skills. Talent helps them to build resilience and …

baden.parkerbrown@syd.catholic.edu.auNovember 27, 2023|

Alumna takes the lead in Miss Saigon

Sydney Catholic Schools alumna Abigail Adriano gives a masterful lead performance in Opera Australia’s current production of Miss Saigon.

Not many people have to choose between two dream career opportunities just two years after graduating high school, but Abigail Adriano has.

The Trinity Catholic College Auburn alumna deferred a law degree – forfeiting a full scholarship – to take on the lead role of Kim in Opera Australia’s current production of Miss Saigon.

“When I got the call from my agent I was crying and jumping for joy,” she said.

“The role of Kim is such an iconic role. Not only was she played by [fellow Filipina actress] Lea Salonga who I’ve always looked up to as a performer, the music itself is so incredible.”

School and stage

Abigail, 19, began singing and acting at an early age and played the role of Alice in Matilda Jnr, The Musical at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre while in Years 5 and 6 at St John’s Catholic Primary School Auburn.

While in Year 9 at Trinity, she took part in Sydney Catholic Schools’ performing arts programs to further develop her vocal talent.

“I was very lucky that my school was very supportive of my dreams.” – Abigail Adriano

Friends, family and her past principal have all come to see the show, which she said has themes that are “quite confronting”.

As the youngest in the rehearsal room Abigail said she embraced the challenge of reinterpreting the musical for a modern audience alongside her fellow actors. She said Opera Australia’s production depicted the women of the story with “much more complexity”.

“Miss Saigon deals with the sufferings of war, and all of those themes are embedded …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 25, 2023|

Engadine students shine in Matilda Jnr, The Musical

Students at St John Bosco Catholic Primary School Engadine have stretched their creative muscles in their first performance of much-loved production Matilda Jnr, The Musical.

Based on Roald Dahl’s classic novel, it sees an exceptional five-year old triumph over uncaring parents and an unpleasant school headmistress with imagination, resilience, and intelligence help her

More than 100 students are involved in the production, with students lending their talent as actors, singers, dancers, stagehands for props and backdrop, and curtain crew.

Lottie Wilson, in Year 4, plays the lead role of Matilda. Her audition surprised teachers who had no idea she could sing.

“When I sang the teachers said they were really shocked by my voice,” she said.

“I really like playing Matilda because she is a strong character, and she stands up for herself.” – Lottie Wilson

“It’s a really fun experience to work with other people and interesting to see what they can do.”

Year 5 student Maeve Bishop has found her assertive side while preparing for her role as Miss Trunchbull.

“I get told a lot to be fiercer!” Maeve said.

“She [Miss Trunchbull] is headmistress in Matilda’s school and she is very mean to all the kids. I like to play her character because she has some really funny moments.”

Acting Principal Mark Abad said the musical was just one opportunity in the school’s rich creative arts program that allows students to nurture and explore their creative talents.

It is the third musical the school has rehearsed since 2019 and the second one staged (the school’s 2021 offering, High School Musical, was cancelled due to COVID).

“At St John Bosco we value the creative arts, recognising it as a …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 13, 2023|

Nurture your child’s inner performer

Sebastian Youseff dreams of being a famous actor.

There are loads of course pathways he could have followed to land his dream career.

With the hope of one day establishing a career as an actor, he chose a Performing Arts ATAR pathway at Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood.

Sebastian (pictured right) said he loved that the College allowed him to tap into his creative side.

“I want to go to NYU Tisch School of the Arts,” Sebastian explained. “If not Tisch, then NIDA or WAAPA (the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts).”

As a first step he is undertaking senior Stage 6 Drama and to complement his passion for the Performing Arts he is also about to complete a Certificate III in Screen and Media at Southern Cross, Sydney Catholic Schools’ only specialist performing arts college.

His passion for acting was sparked two years ago when he watched ‘The Lighthouse’.

“I thought that was great and joined The Art Umbrella (School of Performing Arts),” Sebastian, who is now in Year 11, said.

“There’s nothing better than doing a good performance, and people saying you were great!”

The journey to stardom

Southern Cross is now holding auditions for its 2023 Performing Arts stream.

Located in the inner-west of Sydney, Southern Cross is offering full-time and part-time enrolments in Years 9 to Year 12 as part of its “Ignite Your Passion” initiative.

“The Performing Arts stream provides a specialist pathway for gifted and talented students with experience in, and …

Isabell PetrinicSeptember 20, 2022|

2023 Performing Arts Auditions: Start your journey to stardom

Want to see your name in lights? Southern Cross Burwood will soon hold auditions for its 2023 Performing Arts stream.

Southern Cross Catholic College is offering full-time and part-time enrolments in Years 9 to Year 12 as part of its “Ignite Your Passion” initiative.

The Performing Arts stream provides a specialist pathway for talented performers with experience in, and a passion for, Dance, Drama and Music to get a foot in the door of their dream job before graduating.

Students have access to state-of-the art facilities and industry specific equipment to succeed, including a recently upgraded dance studio, 400-seat auditorium, dedicated recording studio and control room, green screen room (pictured right), music and drama studios.

All the programs are led by industry experts.

World at her feet

Year 12 student Madeline Safar (or Maddy, as she’s affectionately known) is pursuing a Performing Arts ATAR pathway at the College.

Studying a Certificate III in Community, Dance Theatre and Events has allowed her to follow all her passions and she has already secured her place as a full time student at Sydney performing arts academy ED5 International next year.

Maddy is pictured in the College auditorium. Photo: David Swift

The Certificate III lays the foundations for stricter dance training in her future pathway at ED5 International. There she will come out with an Advanced Diploma after two years, ready to see her name in lights.

Not that Maddy has been resting on her laurels.

She recently performed in the first Sydney Archdiocesan musical, Fame Jr., and she has performed in Grease The Musical mass ensemble at Qudos Bank Arena and in Wizard of Oz mass ensemble, …

Isabell PetrinicJuly 11, 2022|

Eisteddfod 2022: The results are in…

Over the past six weeks, Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) has showcased the amazing talents of its performing arts students at SCS’ second annual Eisteddfod. Today on World Music Day (21 June) we announce the winners.

During the 2022 festival more than 1,229 entries from 116 schools competed in over 53 solo and ensemble events in Instrumental, Drama, Dance and Vocal.

Now the ensemble winners are preparing to dazzle audiences at SCS’ first ever Eisteddfod Showcase on 23-24 June.

“We have been so impressed by the number of entries wowing our audiences at every event,” said Eva Spata, SCS’ supervisor in the creative and performing arts.

“I can’t wait to see what next year brings!” – Eva Spata

This year’s Eisteddfod entrants were judged by an array of internationally renowned luminaries including Opera Australia’s Simon Kenway.

A highly respected orchestral/operatic conductor, music educator and accompanist, Kenway was the Musical Director for the first working draft of Baz Luhrmann’s acclaimed musical romance, Moulin Rouge.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO…

Click below for the full list of 2022 SCS Eisteddfod place-getters. EISTEDDFOD RESULTS 2022

The highest scoring school across all events will be crowned at the inaugural Eisteddfod Showcase. Watch this space to find out who has won the 2022 perpetual trophy!

ABOUT THE SHOWCASE

The 2022 Eisteddfod Showcase will be held over two days – Thursday 23 June and Friday 24 June – from 7pm to 9.30pm at Southern Cross Catholic College, 17 Comer Street, Burwood.

Day 1 will feature the first place winners in: Rock Bands, Contemporary Music Ensembles, Drama Groups, Dance Groups and Large Choral …

AdminJune 21, 2022|

Eisteddfod 2022: What to expect

Sydney Catholic Schools’ second annual Eisteddfod takes centre stage from Friday, 20 May 2022.

During the festival students from 116 schools will compete in more than 53 solo and ensemble events in Instrumental, Drama, Dance and Choir. And, for the first time, selected winners will be invited to perform in an Eisteddfod Showcase.

Sydney Catholic Schools has also announced additional competition dates in 2022, adding two more weeks to the Eisteddfod calendar.

This year the Eisteddfod will run for six weeks until 24 June on Fridays and Saturdays.

“It’s a very exciting time to be a young performer in a Sydney Catholic school,” Sydney Catholic Schools’ Supervisor in the creative and performing arts, Eva Spata, said.

AT A GLANCE

292 – Piano Solos Entries

281 – Dance Entries – Solos & Ensembles

387 – Vocal Entries – Solos & Ensembles

180 – Instrumental Entries – Solos & Ensembles

89 – Drama Entries – Solos & Ensembles

Most performances will be held at Sydney Catholic Schools’ dedicated performing arts high school, Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood.

Marist College Eastwood will host Instrumental Ensembles on Friday, 10 June, and Choir Ensembles will be held at Marist College Penshurst on Friday, 17 June.

EISTEDDFOD SCHEDULE

The 2022 Eisteddfod covers the following categories:

Friday, 20 May: Rock and Contemporary Bands
Saturday, 21 May: Instrumental and Piano Solo
Friday, 27 May: Drama Groups
Saturday, 18 May: Drama and Vocal Solos
Friday, 3 June: Dance Groups
Saturday, 4 June: Dance Solos
Friday, …

Isabell PetrinicMay 19, 2022|

2021 HSC Virtual Showcase: Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) celebrates the final selection of students who have been included in the 2021 HSC Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts Showcases.

Following a rigorous selection process by an experienced panel, 72 students were selected in the showcases after demonstrating outstanding talent in creative and performing arts. Click here to view the showcase selection list

These students were selected from 173 nominations submitted by schools for exemplary work in their practical components of the HSC courses.

The HSC Creative & Performing Arts Showcases provide a professional platform to celebrate exemplary students of Music, Dance, Drama and Visual Arts while also serving as a benchmark of excellence for younger emerging talent.

Although the showcases were planned to be unveiled in a series of in-person events, COVID disruptions mean that this year they will be presented virtually.

https://vimeo.com/694170049/21d437958f Click here to view the performing arts program Click here to view the Visual Arts Showcase Click here to view the visual arts program

Eva Spata, Supervisor: Creative & Performing Arts at SCS, praised the cohort for producing some exceptional artistic pieces in what was a difficult year for students.

“Congratulations to the students who have been included in the showcases as well as those who were nominated by their schools,” Ms Spata said.

“This has been a challenging time for all students, particularly those completing the HSC but we were extremely impressed with what our students submitted” – Eva Spata

“The showcases are a wonderful way to celebrate their tenacity, commitment and talent,” Ms Spata added.

domenictrimboli01March 31, 2022|

Revealed: Lockdown Arts Festival Winners

We’re excited to share with you the winners of Sydney Catholic Schools’ Lockdown Arts Festival.

Themed Looking outwards from a life in lockdown, the festival celebrates the joy, creativity, optimism and resilience of our Sydney Catholic Schools’ community during the pandemic.

Launched during lockdown, our Sydney Catholic Schools’ students, families and staff submitted more than 900 creative works showcasing their incredible creative talent.

Please CLICK ON THE CATEGORY NAMES BELOW to see, hear and read the amazing works of all our category winners and highly commended artists.

Dance

CONTEMPORARY Classical

Visual Arts

Painting and Drawing Photography Sculptural

Drama

Monologue/Duologue Scenes from a Play

Literature

Poem Short Story

Music

Original Composition Performance

Congratulations to all of our winners and participants. You really have done us proud!

AdminNovember 10, 2021|

Song of hope proves a lockdown winner

An original song by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School Mt Pritchard’s Year 3 Green class was one of the standout category winners of the Lockdown Arts Festival.

Written by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School Mt Pritchard music teacher, Samantha MacBride, and performed by the school’s Year 3 Green class, Windows is an emotive ballad about being hopeful for the future that lies ahead.

The song speaks about Year 3 Green’s own experiences of life in lockdown and was also influenced by Miss MacBride reflecting on the recent loss of her mother.

Performed virtually by Miss MacBride and Year 3 Green, Windows was one of 900 creative works submitted by Sydney Catholic Schools’ students, families and staff during the festival.

The song was awarded first prize in the Music – Performance, Primary Class category of the Sydney Catholic Schools’ Lockdown Arts Festival.

The bright side of life

Before writing the song, Miss MacBride said she asked Year 3 Green to reflect on their experiences of life in lockdown.

“I decided to ask the children about the things they missed, the things they were looking forward to, how life has changed and how they were feeling about getting back to normal,” Miss MacBride said.

“I used some of their reflections, words and phrases to then put the lyrics of the song together, with some of my own thoughts intermingled as well.”

Miss MacBride said she also set out to have the song speak about God’s role in helping us overcome adversity.

“In school, we talk about our strong faith in God to see us through tough …

domenictrimboli01November 9, 2021|

St Pat’s sibling stars shine in The Voice finals 2021

Sian and Jordan Fuller have continued to take reality singing show The Voice by storm.

The next two episodes of the popular Australian singing competition TV show see the talented siblings – a current and former student at St Patrick’s College Sutherland – vie for a place in the top 2, an exciting step closer to the competition grand final.

Jordan, who graduated from the college in 2019, and Sian, who is in Year 12, turned all four judges’ chairs during the show’s blind auditions and have become social media darlings since.

Their musical journey began well before they joined Team Guy Sebastian (Jordan) and Team Rita Ora (Sian) on The Voice.

“Music was always a hobby. This is exposing them to the possibility that it could be much bigger” – Mum

Jordan and Sian are alumni of Sydney Catholic Schools’ creative and performing arts program CaSPA, which they joined while in Year 5 at St John Bosco Catholic Primary School Engadine.

The duo were members of both school’s bands, and have written music together. Both have performed in local musical theatre productions.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ alumnus Jordan Fuller.

Sian plays guitar and violin. Jordan plays and teaches clarinet at primary schools.

“One of the things they both came back and said was that all of that experience, starting so young in Year 5, made it natural for them – especially the recording aspect,” said their mum, Danielle Fuller, a music education officer at Sydney Catholic Schools.

“After they were born, I directed musicals and taught music every day and they would come with me.

“They often talk about how they didn’t really have a choice; this is just innate in them.

“It’s nice for me, as a …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 27, 2021|

World premiere: Interactive dance film Triskelion

The public is invited to choose their own adventure in a ground-breaking interactive dance film premiering today and produced especially for COVID-19, to ensure the show could go on.

Triskelion Dance Wars fuses an animated video-game format with live dance sequences performed by students in Years 6 to 11 from Sydney Catholic Schools Performing Arts’ (CaSPA) dance ensemble.

“The scope of the work was phenomenal” – Iris McGill

The CaSPA dancers worked with professional choreographers Neale Whittaker and Juliette Verne to master 24 dance sequences after just 10 hours of instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic, while performance restrictions were in place.

The dance sequences form a series of storyline options for Triskelion Dance Wars.

This story was filmed over two days at Sydney Catholic Schools’ first dedicated performing arts college, Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood.

The resulting Triskelion Dance Wars replaces the CaSPA annual live showcase, giving students’ families, friends and the world a unique window on the incredible choreography they have learnt throughout the school year.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ education officer: creative and performing arts, Iris McGill, said Triskelion Dance Wars was groundbreaking on two fronts.

“Other dance videos are either fully animated gaming, or feature live dancers in a tutorial format or dance video format” – Iris McGill

“Both choreographers were blown away by the calibre and the talent of the students, and the pace at which they worked,” Ms …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 9, 2021|

Drum roll please for … SCS’ Eisteddfod results

Over the past four weeks, Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) has showcased the amazing talents of its performing arts students at SCS’ inaugural Eisteddfod. Today on World Music Day (21 June) we announce the winners.

The Eisteddfod was held over four Fridays at SCS’ first dedicated performing arts college, Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood, where students competed in more than 400 solo and ensemble instrumental, drama, dance and choir performances.

The performances were judged by an array of internationally renowned luminaries including award-winning vocal artist, dancer and actress, Rachel Beck. Beck has a long spanning career performing in stage and television productions, including Beauty and the Beast, Les Miserables, Home and Away and Hey Dad.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ specialist in the creative arts, Eva Spata, said the events were an opportunity to recognise and celebrate students’ performance skills in a supportive environment.

“Our Arts Team has been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from schools over the past few weeks,” Ms Spata exclaimed.

“We have seen such amazing talent up on stage day after day, and we are excited that the arts are well and truly alive and thriving in our schools!” – Eva Spata

“What an honour it has been to be entertained by our amazing students,” said Ms Spata. “We can’t wait for next year’s event – it will be even bigger and better!”

READ MORE ON THE ARTS:

AdminJune 21, 2021|

Sydney Catholic Schools’ first Eisteddfod

Students from 92 schools will grace the stage in more than 400 solo and ensemble instrumental, drama, dance and choir performances, as part of Sydney Catholic Schools’ first Eisteddfod.

The Eisteddfod will be held over four Fridays at Sydney Catholic Schools’ first dedicated performing arts college, Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood, starting on 28 May.

Points will be awarded for each place, certificate and participation. The school with the highest point score will become the inaugural champion and receive a perpetual trophy.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ specialist in the creative arts, Eva Spata, said the events were an opportunity to recognise and celebrate students’ performance skills in a supportive environment.

“Every opportunity to perform develops students’ confidence and self-belief” – Eva Spata

Music mavens: Marist Catholic College North Shore students Michael DeWit, Aleena Wiratunga, Jayden Wood, Poppy Douglass and Jasmine Franks will perform in the junior ensemble category of Sydney Catholic Schools’ first eisteddfod. Photo: Natalie Roberts

“Students will receive feedback from industry professionals, and this will help them refine their skills for future performances,” Ms Spata said.

“This is an opportunity for schools to show others what is part of the fabric of their own arts experience, broadening their audiences.

“It can also be inspiring for students to see their peers perform a different repertoire that they may not have experienced before.”

Marist Catholic College North Shore Year 7 student and trombone player Jayden Wood is part of an ensemble that will perform 60’s hits at the first of the eisteddfods.

“It’s fun to do performances for …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMay 27, 2021|

Best performing arts schools Sydney

The benefits of an arts education in school cannot be overstated, according to Eva Spata, Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) Specialist: Creative and Performing Arts.

“Arts education is important for all young people,” Ms Spata said. “Besides the intrinsic benefits – such as students finding a voice to express themselves, having empathy, exploring their imagination and creativity – there are instrumental benefits.

“They include cognitive development, ‘learning how to learn’, and improved academic performance. There are also attitudinal and behavioural benefits, such as self-efficacy and self-discipline, along with improved attendance at school.”

What’s happening in the creative and performing arts at SCS

“2021 is an exciting year for the arts at Sydney Catholic Schools,” said Eva Spata, SCS’ Specialist: Creative and Performing Arts.

“Not only are we celebrating outstanding HSC results, we are offering so many new opportunities for students to perform and create.”

Excitingly, SCS has already this year launched a comprehensive music education program titled in 14 of its schools, providing students with orchestral instruments, as well as classroom and ensemble music lessons led by specialist teachers.

SCS’ inaugural Eisteddfod takes centre stage in June. Students can also audition for the first Sydney Archdiocesan musical, Fame, as well as SCS’ annual film festival.

Plus, Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood is for the first time offering full-time courses for students in Years 9 to 12 seeking a specialised education in the performing arts.

The college’s 2021 program includes the NESA board developed Music, Dance and Drama courses (all levels), as well as a Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events.

“The Certificate course is aimed at triple threat performers, who can sing, dance and act,” Ms Spata said.

How Sydney Catholic school students stack up in the performing arts

SCS’ creative and performance artists have been enjoying phenomenal success in the wake of COVID-19.

Singer-guitarist Chrystal …

Web SupportApril 30, 2021|

‘An exciting year for the arts’

Sydney Catholic Schools’ creative and performance artists have been enjoying phenomenal success in the wake of COVID-19, and the opportunities for students with an artistic flair to flourish are only increasing.

Singer-guitarist Chrystal Ruz from SCS’ ViVA Music 1 class of 2020 was recognised on the Encore Honour Roll for exemplary performance in the Viva Voce (Musicology) component of her HSC Examination.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington student Jessica Wilson placed third in the state in the 2020 Music 1 HSC, while Bethany College Hurstville student Shae Acevski placed fifth in NSW in HSC Dance.

Singer-guitarist Chrystal Ruz of Bethany College Hurstville

And 12 SCS students were chosen from 9,000 entries to have their works displayed in the annual ArtExpress HSC showcase exhibitions.

Now SCS looks to debut a Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod. Students can also audition for the first Sydney Archdiocesan musical, Fame, as well as SCS’ annual film festival.

“Not only are we celebrating outstanding HSC results, we are offering so many new opportunities for students to perform and create,” said Eva Spata, SCS’ Specialist: Creative and Performing Arts.

“2021 is an exciting year for the arts at Sydney Catholic Schools” – Eva Spata

Excitingly, SCS has already this year launched a comprehensive music education program titled Amadeus in 14 of its schools, providing students with orchestral instruments, as well as classroom and ensemble music lessons led by specialist teachers.

Plus, Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood is for the first time offering full-time courses for students in Years 9 to 12 seeking a specialised education …

AdminApril 19, 2021|

Sydney’s First Catholic Performing Arts High School in 2021

Students keen to leap into the spotlight can now tap into their passions at Sydney’s first comprehensive Catholic performing arts high school.

Starting from next year Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) Southern Cross Catholic College at Burwood will offer full-time courses for students in Years 9 to 12 seeking a specialised education in the performing arts.

Courses are in Dance (Classical or Contemporary), Drama, Music – Instrumental (Classical or Contemporary), Music – Voice (Classical or Contemporary), and Music Theatre – Singing, Dancing and Acting.

This will be in addition to the popular part-time ViVA! and CaSPA performing arts programs that will continue to be offered to all SCS secondary students at the college, located in Inner Western Sydney.

“The Certificate course is aimed at triple threat performers, who can sing, dance and act” – SCS’ Specialist in the Creative and Performing Arts, Eva Spata

The college will also open its doors to Year 9 and 10 students for the first time in 2021.

“As part of our repositioning we have dropped the ‘Vocational’ out of Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College but only to better reflect who we are: a Catholic college where students of all abilities can shine brightly, whether they are born to dance or to ply their trade,” principal Tony Patton said.

“I couldn’t be more excited at the prospect of nurturing and training the young performers of tomorrow, alongside students completing our outstanding full-time occupational training programs and apprenticeships.”

The college is expected to grow by more than 200 students with the addition of the full-time performing arts cohort, Mr Patton said.

HEAR FROM SYDNEY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS GRADUATES:

Welcoming the changes, SCS’ specialist in the creative and performing arts, Eva Spata, said Southern Cross is the perfect place for students looking to be …

Isabell PetrinicNovember 11, 2020|

Why are the arts so important in school?

The importance of the arts in a well-rounded education is sometimes lost on parents. What they may not realise is that while their child is having fun singing, acting and dancing in the classroom, deep inside the unconscious of their minds something magical is happening.

“While taking part in a production or performance can bring its own pleasure, studying the arts can also unlock and develop many of the skills and abilities needed to succeed in life,” said Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) specialist in creative and performing arts, Eva Spata.

“Drama allows students to improve their confidence, explore their creativity, and build ways to retain information and learn about body control.”

SCS’ Eva Spata with award-winning acapella students at Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich.

“Learning about body control is also an important aspect in dancing, where the physicality and coordination of the medium builds students’ cognitive skills and expressions,” Ms Spata said.

“Every year at Sydney Catholic Schools, we see students develop truly awe-inspiring creative pieces, sometimes far beyond their years – and it is not just our artistically-gifted children who are reaping the benefits of artistic participation.

“Our Catholic Schools Performing Arts Program (CaSPA) is open to everyone, from Kindergarten to Year 12, giving students access to professional mentors who can nurture their talents and abilities and help them strive for excellence in their own lives at school and beyond.

“Our auditioned ensembles target students who are gifted and talented in singing, dancing, acting and songwriting, while our Let’s series allows all students to develop and pursue their passion for the performing arts.”

SCS’ student performers steal the spotlight. Photo: Kitty Beale.

SCS’ other performing arts offerings include: …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 3, 2020|

Professional edge as CaSPA Live shows student talent

An audience of more than 1,500 people were treated to vivid vocals, drama, and dance …

sarahreadeJune 20, 2019|

Four ways to nurture your child’s interest in the arts

Alumna takes the lead in Miss Saigon

Engadine students shine in Matilda Jnr, The Musical

Nurture your child’s inner performer

Sebastian Youseff dreams of being a famous actor.

The journey to stardom

2023 Performing Arts Auditions: Start your journey to stardom

World at her feet

Eisteddfod 2022: The results are in…

AND THE AWARD GOES TO…

ABOUT THE SHOWCASE

Eisteddfod 2022: What to expect

AT A GLANCE

EISTEDDFOD SCHEDULE

2021 HSC Virtual Showcase: Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts

Revealed: Lockdown Arts Festival Winners

Dance

Visual Arts

Drama

Literature

Music

Congratulations to all of our winners and participants. You really have done us proud!

Song of hope proves a lockdown winner

The bright side of life

St Pat’s sibling stars shine in The Voice finals 2021

World premiere: Interactive dance film Triskelion

Drum roll please for … SCS’ Eisteddfod results

Sydney Catholic Schools’ first Eisteddfod

Best performing arts schools Sydney

‘An exciting year for the arts’

Sydney’s First Catholic Performing Arts High School in 2021

Why are the arts so important in school?

Professional edge as CaSPA Live shows student talent

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