The drama and dance winning entries in Sydney Catholic Schools’ Lockdown Arts Festival Family category came with a dose of humour and a telling soundtrack.

A dance by Paul George, Cicily Ponnor and their daughters Gemma and Alexa, who attend St Therese Catholic Primary School Sadleir-Miller, was one of 900 creative works submitted by Sydney Catholic Schools’ students, families and staff during the festival.

Their winning dance was a reenactment of one of the most iconic movie songs, Bee Gees’ “Stayin Alive” from the hugely successful soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever.

Year 4 student at Galilee Catholic Primary School Bondi, Cormac Maher, won the Drama Family Submission category for “I See Red”, which involved his entire family – even the dog!

STAYIN ALIVE

Mr George said the festival was an opportunity for his family to change the monotonous home routine during lockdown and to lead by example.

“It was a great opportunity to get the kids to focus on each of their creative strengths, challenge themselves and realise that they have potential” – Paul George

“We also felt it was the easiest way to encourage the kids to get involved in some creative activity when we as parents are involved,” he said.

“We’re feeling very grateful and glad that we took the effort to participate.”

Alexa and Gemma took the opportunity to enter multiple categories of the festival, and discovered new skills along the way.

“There was cross pollination in the learning environment thanks to the arts festival,” Mr George said.

“Alexa’s monologue entry was inspired from the learning material that Gemma was handling in her English class at St Therese Primary on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

“Gemma is generally a shy girl, so it was great to see her coming out of her shell. She was also motivated to submit entries …