The CAPTIVATE Visual Arts team enjoyed an engaging final term with students from throughout the Parramatta Diocese, running two special Arts Factor workshops focussing on sculpture and photography.
Students interested in sculpture came together at CathWest Innovation College and got to meet and learn from talented sculpture artist Taylan Varol. Taylan helped students create oversized tools and equipment that represent the courses on offer at CathWest. Items included a giant camera, hairdryer, drill, measuring tape, stethoscope, headphones and a sandwich.
The students, from Nagle College Blacktown, CathWest, St Columba's Catholic College Springwood, Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown, Bede Polding College South Windsor, St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill, St Luke's Catholic College Marsden Park and Penola Catholic College Emu Plains, took part in the workshop which was inspired by the work of Claes Oldenburg, a pop artist who made large scale works that he displayed in busy public spaces.
Over the two days, students used a range of materials including pool noodles and expander foam to create these fun and engaging works. The sculptures will feature as a permanent exhibition at CathWest early in the New Year.
CAPTIVATE also ran a two day analogue photography workshop with Sydney Morning Herald photographer Wolter Peeters.
Students learnt how to use a 35mm and medium format camera and also how to load film and the perils of only having 12 shots on a roll of film. Students struggled with the fact that they could not see their images instantly and would have to wait for the second day to develop their films.
The group, which included students from Patrician Brothers’, St Agnes, Santa Sophia Catholic College Gables, Cerdon College Merrylands, Parramatta Marist High School, Catherine McAuley Westmead, St John Paul II Catholic College Schofields & Nirimba, CathWest and St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens, visited the Female Factory in North Parramatta where students explored architecture. The second stop was a special laneway behind Church Street where the focus was portraiture using some of the street art that was created for the Parramatta Lanes festival.
Students got to utilise a fully functioning darkroom at Delany College Granville where they learnt how to develop film using Patterson tanks in pitch black conditions. They then moved on to making proof sheets of their negatives.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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17 Jun 2026
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10 May 2026
From Facebook
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers and mother figures who have supported and nurtured our students throughout their lives. Last Friday morning, Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown and Nagle joined for a wonderful Mother’s Day Mass at St Patrick’s Church. Thanks to Mr Greg Beacroft and Mr Anthony Pope, who worked with the RE staff from Nagle College over recent weeks to prepare. Fr Stephen led our liturgy with great sincerity, providing a poignant and prayerful tribute to all our mothers. The students then joined Fr Stephen and the two school Principals to distribute roses to their mothers and grandmothers as a simple expression of their love and gratitude ahead of Mother’s Day.
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10 May 2026
From Facebook
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers and mother figures who have supported and nurtured our students throughout their lives. Last Friday morning, Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown and Nagle joined for a wonderful Mother’s Day Mass at St Patrick’s Church. Thanks to Mr Greg Beacroft and Mr Anthony Pope, who worked with the RE staff from Nagle College over recent weeks to prepare. Fr Stephen led our liturgy with great sincerity, providing a poignant and prayerful tribute to all our mothers. The students then joined Fr Stephen and the two school Principals to distribute roses to their mothers and grandmothers as a simple expression of their love and gratitude ahead of Mother’s Day.
05 May 2026
From Facebook
In Round 2 of the prestigious Bill Turner Cup, Patrician Brothers' Blacktown claimed a convincing 3-1 victory against Rouse Hill Anglican. With it being 2-1 at halftime, we had a goal in the second half, securing the win. Onwards to Round 3!
01 May 2026
From Facebook
This week at the college we celebrated Respect Week which saw our students actively engage in meaningful activities centred on our theme “Give Respect, Get Respect.” Whilst we always focus on encouraging respect for women and girls, Respect Week this year was broadened to include respect for all. A major highlight of our week was the Respect Week Wall where students were invited to write a message dedicated to a special woman in their lives. The wall quickly filled with thoughtful and heartfelt messages, serving as a visual reminder of the impact that respect, gratitude and kindness can have. We also celebrated Respect Week at our weekly Breakfast Club where students were able to connect and converse over breakfast. Respect Week 2026 highlighted that respect is not just something we talk about; it is something we practise every day.
29 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, our senior Visual Arts students visited Art Express, an annual exhibition that highlights outstanding artworks by Year 12 Visual Arts students from across New South Wales. The brilliant artworks on display intrigued and challenged our students, and it proved to be an inspirational and successful day for our budding artists.
24 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today Year 9 and 10 students attended a presentation about CathWest Innovation College. CathWest is a CSPD school that offers a range of trade and vocational pathways through school based apprenticeships and traineeships. It was great to see boys actively engaging in the presentation, asking questions and interacting with the presenter.
22 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Junior and Intermediate teams who were crowned winners at the OzTag, Western Sydney Secondary School Regional Tournament - an outstanding achievement! Our Senior team also performed exceptionally well, making it all the way to the finals. Although they narrowly missed the win, they have successfully qualified for the NSW Secondary School State Tournament. As always, our boys stood out with their exceptional athleticism, skill, and the strong Patties spirit, showing great energy, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the day. State finals, here we come! Junior Coach - James Bunoza Intermediate Coach - Chelsea Te Ariki Senior Coach - Delahoya Manu
18 Apr 2026
From Facebook
