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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22 Dec 2025
From Facebook
After an incredible career spanning over three decades, we bid farewell to a true Patrician legend, Mr Peter Ross. A proud old boy of Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown, Mr Ross was employed by Br Bernard Bulfin in 1988 and has spent nearly all of his professional life serving the Patrician community - mainly at Blacktown, punctuated with two years at John-Paul II Senior High School, Marayong. A gifted Mathematics teacher, Peter also contributed through key leadership roles including Year Coordinator, College timetabler, and valued member of the College Leadership Team. His impact extended far beyond the classroom. Peter coached countless sporting teams, especially Rugby League and Cricket, and played a major role in the College’s inaugural NRL Schoolboy Cup victory in 2012. He has generously supported school camps, snow trips, weekend expeditions, senior retreats, and international immersions, giving our students experiences that shaped character and confidence. More recently, he answered one final call to service by mentoring the Mathematics department through significant leadership and staff transitions, a contribution many regard as his most impactful work. Peter’s loyalty, dedication, and steadfast commitment to Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown will remain an enduring gift to generations of staff and students. May the road rise to meet you, Peter, wherever God leads you next.
17 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Last Wednesday evening our school had the honour of hosting the 2025 Patrician Appreciation Awards. This special event brought together Principals, Assistant Principals, REC's, Patrician Brothers, Delany Foundation Board members, award winners, and their families and friends to celebrate the remarkable and ongoing contributions of staff members in Patrician schools. We are delighted to announce our two award recipients from Blacktown - Mr Peter Ross and Mr Greg Beacroft. Their exceptional dedication and contributions to the Blacktown Patrician community over many years were formally recognised during the ceremony. Thank you, Peter and Greg, for your incredible service and impact. Your commitment continues to inspire us all! And a thank you to the people who helped behind the scenes to put the event together. This glittering event was the result of a tremendous team effort.
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22 Dec 2025
From Facebook
After an incredible career spanning over three decades, we bid farewell to a true Patrician legend, Mr Peter Ross. A proud old boy of Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown, Mr Ross was employed by Br Bernard Bulfin in 1988 and has spent nearly all of his professional life serving the Patrician community - mainly at Blacktown, punctuated with two years at John-Paul II Senior High School, Marayong. A gifted Mathematics teacher, Peter also contributed through key leadership roles including Year Coordinator, College timetabler, and valued member of the College Leadership Team. His impact extended far beyond the classroom. Peter coached countless sporting teams, especially Rugby League and Cricket, and played a major role in the College’s inaugural NRL Schoolboy Cup victory in 2012. He has generously supported school camps, snow trips, weekend expeditions, senior retreats, and international immersions, giving our students experiences that shaped character and confidence. More recently, he answered one final call to service by mentoring the Mathematics department through significant leadership and staff transitions, a contribution many regard as his most impactful work. Peter’s loyalty, dedication, and steadfast commitment to Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown will remain an enduring gift to generations of staff and students. May the road rise to meet you, Peter, wherever God leads you next.
18 Dec 2025
Catholic schools across Western Sydney celebrate HSC success
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) is celebrating another outstanding year of Higher School Certificate (HSC) results as students from 22 secondary schools receive their results.
17 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Last Wednesday evening our school had the honour of hosting the 2025 Patrician Appreciation Awards. This special event brought together Principals, Assistant Principals, REC's, Patrician Brothers, Delany Foundation Board members, award winners, and their families and friends to celebrate the remarkable and ongoing contributions of staff members in Patrician schools. We are delighted to announce our two award recipients from Blacktown - Mr Peter Ross and Mr Greg Beacroft. Their exceptional dedication and contributions to the Blacktown Patrician community over many years were formally recognised during the ceremony. Thank you, Peter and Greg, for your incredible service and impact. Your commitment continues to inspire us all! And a thank you to the people who helped behind the scenes to put the event together. This glittering event was the result of a tremendous team effort.
17 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to all the students who received awards, but also to the other students who worked consistently for the entire year but just missed out. Huge thanks to our incredible teachers for their efforts in encouraging and mentoring our students. Special mention for Mr Robinson for organising the ceremony.
09 Dec 2025
From Facebook
In celebration of the incredible sporting talent at our school, and the success we have been fortunate enough to experience at all representative levels, last week we held our Annual Sports Awards assembly for 2025. Across a vast range of sports and activities - as diverse as Chess, Volleyball, Touch, Badminton, Cricket, Soccer, AFL and Rugby League - the skills and dedication displayed by our students were truly impressive. Huge congratulations and thanks to the teachers who coached and organised teams each week, the students who participated with passion and sportsmanship proudly represented our school, and finally, to Mr Noah Meares for leading the assembly and facilitating our representative sport so professionally throughout the year.
08 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Last week, we held our annual Step Up Into Senior School (SUISS) program for Year 10 students. This program assists Year 10 students who are continuing into Year 11 to prepare for the significant step up into senior education. Workshops presented by our staff included study skills, managing health and wellbeing, respectful relationships and career pathways – complemented by sessions on motivation, setting goals, and team building presented by several outstanding guest speakers. Thanks to Miss Lombo and Mr Williams for their tremendous work in getting the program organised this year. And a special thanks to our guests: Daniel Merza, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Siosaia Vave and Matthew Cameron and Tuza from African Beats.
03 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Each Thursday this year, as part of our Special Religious Education program, a group of committed Year 10 students visited Blacktown South Public School to work with students from various year groups. They guide and support young students in exploring and understanding their faith. Our Year 10 students have excelled in preparing engaging lessons each week, incorporating activities such as prayer, storytelling, drawing, writing, and reflection. With the conclusion of the final SRE lesson for 2025, we extend our congratulations to these Year 10 students for their exceptional dedication and effort in nurturing the faith and growth of these young learners.
02 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Last Friday evening, we held our Year 12 2025 Formal at Novella on the Park at Abbotsbury. The Year 12 boys looked resplendent in their formal attire and there was a very large contingent of teachers in attendance to farewell this outstanding senior group. The evening was filled with joy, dancing, gelato and laughter. Special thanks to Mr Williams, Miss Gearing and Ms Aboelsaad for their efforts in organising this memorable event.
26 Nov 2025
From Facebook
16s Super Rugby Cleansweep The 2025 Super Rugby U16s competition began in late September and concluded November 2, and Patrician Brothers' College Blacktown was well represented with four students among the squad, including Charlie Xuereb, Cordell Arama, Talmage Lemusu and Ziyon Lepolo, with all four eventually playing in the determined 57-34 Grand Final defeat of the QLD Reds at Knox Grammar School. Games were played against Victoria, QLD Reds, Western Force and ACT Brumbies, with numerous dominant performances including 97-0 and 96-7 wins. Our Patties boys were consistently named as standouts among the squad. And the proof is in the selection, with three of our boys from the Blue and Gold now named in the Green and Gold. Huge shoutouts to Talmage, Charlie and Cordell who were named in the Australian U16s squad, with Patrician Brothers' Blacktown the most represented school in the squad, a phenomenal achievement to outnumber the nation's elite rugby union schools, proving Patrician Brothers' Blacktown is where champions are made. The College community is incredibly proud of all four young men and are right behind them as they prepare for camp and their upcoming match against the QLD Reds U17s in December. A further special mention as well to Bronson Tupou of Year 9, who played in the NSW Waratahs U15 in a two match series against the QLD Reds, scoring the match winner in one of the games.
25 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Last Sunday evening, our newly invested 2026 Student Leaders joined ACYF pilgrims and student leaders from other secondary schools across Parramatta Diocese to celebrate Mass with Bishop Vincent Long at St Patrick's Cathedral.
24 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Last Friday, we celebrated the rich diversity within our College community during Multicultural Day. After being welcomed with dance and song by our Indigenous students, everyone enjoyed a series of student-led workshops showcasing dance, games, songs and traditions from our cultural groups. The day concluded with an outstanding concert featuring performances from our African, Middle Eastern, Greek, Pasifika, Indian, Thai, Filipino and Brazilian students and teachers - with some creative input from several guest performers.
20 Nov 2025
From Facebook
This week, our College Assembly featured the Investiture of our 2026 Student Leadership Team. The new team has already undertaken extensive training at school, and with student leaders from the other Patrician-linked schools across Sydney. They will commence their roles with faith, enthusiasm and an impressive list of practical ideas for building our school community during the next 12 months. Fr Andrew Rooney, from Mary Queen of the Family Parish at Blacktown, was kind enough to lead the Investiture Ceremony..