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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06 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Patties Old Boy, Wilson De Courcey on his NRL debut, playing for the Newcastle Knights this past weekend. Wilson was a key member of our 2023 NRL Peter Mulholland Cup State Finalist Team and recipient of the 2023 Senior Sportsman Award. He was an outstanding example of athletic excellence and character. Off the field, he’s known for his humility, respect, and quiet leadership, a true reflection of Patrician spirit.
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today, our staff and students marked Holy Thursday by gathering for our Holy Week liturgy in the Hall. Students and the Student Formation Leaders walked the College community through the final week of Jesus' life with a series of simple prayers and reflections.
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06 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Patties Old Boy, Wilson De Courcey on his NRL debut, playing for the Newcastle Knights this past weekend. Wilson was a key member of our 2023 NRL Peter Mulholland Cup State Finalist Team and recipient of the 2023 Senior Sportsman Award. He was an outstanding example of athletic excellence and character. Off the field, he’s known for his humility, respect, and quiet leadership, a true reflection of Patrician spirit.
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today, our staff and students marked Holy Thursday by gathering for our Holy Week liturgy in the Hall. Students and the Student Formation Leaders walked the College community through the final week of Jesus' life with a series of simple prayers and reflections.
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Bishop Vincent's Easter Message 2026. A Happy and Holy Easter to the entire Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown community.
01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today our Year 7's had their first Reflection Day at Patrician Brothers'. The theme of the day was Patrician Brotherhood and what it means to be a Patties Boy. Activities included team-building, Walk for Water and several opportunities to slow down and reflect on their lives.
31 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today we had the biggest assembly of the year. The agenda included a Year 12 musical performance, public speaking awards and speech, Silver and Gold awards, attendance winners and last but not least, the results of our Swimming Carnival. Needless to say, the excitement levels were at fever pitch.
31 Mar 2026
From Facebook
In Round 1 of the prestigious Bill Turner Cup, Patrician Brothers' Blacktown secured a 2-1 victory against St Clair High, where Johnethan Angolo and Prince Reec found the back of the net. The team led 1-0 at halftime, conceded an equaliser early in the second half, but regained the lead to clinch the win.
27 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This week, a small group of our teachers and students participated in the Vinnies Van program. Vinnies Van is an outreach service that provides meals and snacks, blankets, toiletries, hot beverages, and, most importantly, companionship and referrals, to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Well done to all our volunteers.
26 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This week, our Student Leaders attended the LIFTED Leaders event, alongside students from across the Diocese. This inspiring day is dedicated to connection, collaboration, and putting faith in action .
25 Mar 2026
From Facebook
The Patrician Brothers' Blacktown annual Primary School Rugby League Day will be held at the College grounds from 9.30am to 2:00pm on Monday 29 June, for students in Year 4 to Year 6. The students will all receive a free Patties T-shirt, and recess and lunch will also be provided on the day. The students will be participating in a variety of rugby league skills and drills, led by students from the number one rugby league school in New South Wales. A school tour will also be provided at 10:00 am on the day for interested parents. Numbers are limited, so book as early as possible using the QR Code provided. Feel free to ring the College for any additional information. Come along and get involved in the school that has provided the most players in the 2026 NRL competition. Go Patties!
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.