Did you know creativity is one of the biggest predictors of how well children do in school and in life?
It's not just about making art or playing music. Creative learning plays a powerful role in how children learn, think and grow. And the research is clear: students who engage regularly in creative activities develop stronger problem-solving skills, improved focus and greater confidence - key foundations for success in school and beyond.
Here's what that could actually look like for your child:
- Builds confidence
When kids express themselves through music, visual arts and movement, something shifts. They learn to express ideas, take risks and find their voice, not just in creative spaces, but in the classroom and in life. - Strengthens focus
Creative learning activates different parts of the brain, improving concentration and memory. Whether it’s learning an instrument, rehearsing a performance or crafting a visual piece, students quietly build discipline and persistence that spill into every subject. - Encourages critical thinking
Creativity teaches students to explore, experiment and think differently. These skills are essential for navigating the demands of school and a rapidly changing world. - Supports wellbeing
Creative outlets provide students a healthy way to process emotions, reduce stress and build resilience. It's not just good for their growth; it makes them feel better, too. - They’ll feel like they belong
Performances, exhibitions and shared creative experiences do something powerful: they give students a sense of pride and connection to their school community. Feeling seen and valued matters and helps them feel engaged.
That’s exactly the vision behind CAPTIVATE, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese’s dedicated arts program for students from Kindergarten to Year 12 to explore their creative talents through music, dance, drama and visual arts.
Whether it's specialist teachers and professional artists coming directly into classrooms, instrumental tuition and ensembles, or system-wide eisteddfods, exhibitions and festivals, CAPTIVATE meets students where they are and takes the arts seriously at every level.
Creativity shapes who a child becomes and CAPTIVATE is our commitment that every student in our diocese has access to arts education that genuinely develops them. It's how we lift the standard of creative learning across all 80 of our schools, giving students experiences in music, dance, drama and visual arts that go far beyond what any single school could offer alone.
Liz Jackson, Head of Enrichment
At Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, create and truly belong. If you'd like to see how our schools can support your child’s learning, wellbeing and creativity, we’d love to help you find the right fit.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
09 Jun 2026
Helping Your Child Learn at Home - Practical strategies every parent can use
How can you help your child learn at home without stress, conflict, or overwhelm? Join CSPD’s Learning Outcomes team for a practical parent session focused on simple, realistic ways families can support learning at home, from primary through to secondary school.
-
08 May 2026
From Facebook
This morning, we came together as a community for a beautiful Mother’s Day Liturgy as we celebrated and gave thanks for the mothers, grandmothers, carers, and special women in our lives. 💐 Through prayer, song, and reflection, we were reminded of the love, strength, kindness, and care that mothers share so generously each day. As we sang You Raise Me Up, we reflected on the many ways our mothers and loved ones lift us up with their encouragement, support, and unconditional love, helping us grow with confidence, courage, and faith. Thank you to everyone who helped make our liturgy so meaningful and special. We wish all the wonderful women in our community a very happy and blessed Mother’s Day 🩷
08 May 2026
From Facebook
This morning, we were delighted to celebrate the wonderful mothers and special people in our St Anthony’s community at our Mother’s Day Breakfast. 💐 It was a beautiful morning filled with smiles, connection, and gratitude as we came together to celebrate the love and care our mums and families give each and every day. A special thank you to the SCG for organising such a wonderful morning and helping make the event so memorable for our community.
Latest News More news
14 May 2026
Music, art, movement: why creativity matters more than you think
Did you know creativity is one of the biggest predictors of how well children do in school and in life?
08 May 2026
From Facebook
This morning, we came together as a community for a beautiful Mother’s Day Liturgy as we celebrated and gave thanks for the mothers, grandmothers, carers, and special women in our lives. 💐 Through prayer, song, and reflection, we were reminded of the love, strength, kindness, and care that mothers share so generously each day. As we sang You Raise Me Up, we reflected on the many ways our mothers and loved ones lift us up with their encouragement, support, and unconditional love, helping us grow with confidence, courage, and faith. Thank you to everyone who helped make our liturgy so meaningful and special. We wish all the wonderful women in our community a very happy and blessed Mother’s Day 🩷
08 May 2026
From Facebook
This morning, we were delighted to celebrate the wonderful mothers and special people in our St Anthony’s community at our Mother’s Day Breakfast. 💐 It was a beautiful morning filled with smiles, connection, and gratitude as we came together to celebrate the love and care our mums and families give each and every day. A special thank you to the SCG for organising such a wonderful morning and helping make the event so memorable for our community.
25 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today, we pause to remember and honour the courage, sacrifice, and spirit of the men and women who have served our country. On ANZAC Day, we reflect on the values of bravery, mateship, and resilience that continue to shape our nation and inspire future generations. As a school community, we take this moment to acknowledge the importance of remembering our history and showing gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy today. Lest we forget. 🌺
05 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrate the joy and hope of Easter Sunday — a powerful reminder that love conquers all, light overcomes darkness and new life is always possible. May the resurrection of Jesus fill our hearts with peace, renew our faith and inspire us to share kindness and compassion with those around us. Wishing our St Anthony’s community a blessed and joyful Easter. 💛🐣
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today on Good Friday, we pause to reflect on the deep love and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This sacred day invites us to slow down, to reflect, and to embrace the hope, forgiveness, and faith it represents. As we remember the meaning of the cross, may we be filled with peace and gratitude. Wishing our St Anthony’s community a blessed and reflective Good Friday.
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today our students embarked on a meaningful Holy Week Visual Pilgrimage ✝️🌿, taking time to pause, reflect, and connect with the significant events of this sacred journey. At each stop, students explored a special moment of Holy Week, deepening their understanding through prayer, discussion, and reflection. From moments of celebration to times of sacrifice, they thoughtfully considered the importance of each event and its message. It was a beautiful opportunity for our students to slow down, engage spiritually, and walk together through the story of Holy Week in a meaningful and memorable way.
01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
On Tuesday, 15 students represented St Anthony's at the Heats Level of the Sydney Academy of Chess school competition. There were over 140 students at the competition and 12 different schools. We had some great results! Individual awards were given to: Alan - First place overall Aaran - 3rd place overall In the Under 8's division: Mokshagna and Arya. W, received medals for high scores in their age group. St Anthony's school team also came first! A small team has now qualified for the semi finals. We are very proud of the team's achievements. Congratulations! If you are interested in learning to play chess, we have lessons before school on a Tuesday. Teachers from the Academy of Chess teach these lessons. Chess club takes place at lunchtime on a Tuesday. All students are welcome to come to this club.
25 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🐰 Easter Raffle this Friday, 27th March! 🐰 Friendly reminder to purchase your raffle tickets by midnight tonight! Don’t miss your chance to win some egg-citing prizes this Easter 🐣 Grab your tickets before it’s too late!
24 Mar 2026
700+ Unite for Project Compassion Big Water Walk
More than 700 students and staff from 23 schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for Caritas Australia’s Big Water Walk in support of Project Compassion. Beginning at Parramatta Park, students carried buckets of water along a 4km route, gaining a glimpse of the daily journey faced by people in developing communities, especially women and children, in search of clean water.
23 Mar 2026
From Facebook
A child in our school remarked..."Is this for real? Do children really not have enough clean water???" Our answer is YES and our hearts say this is not okay. Jesus would want us to help and today we did. We followed Jesus' footsteps. Today we bridged that gap by walking in solidarity with those who don't have access to clean water. We stopped 4 times to learn how precious water must be shared out to animals, washing up and drinking. A big heartfelt thank you to St Anthony's community for raising over $4000 for Caritas to provide these much needed water tanks to communities most in need. Thanks for bringing your buckets and walking for water! Thank you to the staff willing to be dunked to raise funds for Caritas.