John Palmer Public School in the Ponds on Darug land recently hosted a Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) showcase for students from local SSP’s (School for Specific Purpose) as part of a strategy to better support high potential and gifted students in those schools.

The idea for the showcase dubbed RISE (Real Inspiration through Student Expression) emerged from a HPGE Staff Development Day in Term 2 held at The Ponds School on .

The Ponds School principal, Leonie Donaldson said teachers from the SSP’s had witnessed how much their students enjoyed performing.

“Our large singing and signing choir regularly participates in community events and has performed at Schools Spectacular,” Ms Donaldson said.

The inaugural RISE CAPA Showcase brought together students from seven local SSP’s including: Halinda, Kurrambee, South Creek, Tallowood, The Hills, The Ponds School, and William Rose, in an amazing celebration of talent, creativity and inclusivity.

The event highlighted the incredible abilities of students across the creative and performing arts and featured exciting performances of singing, drama, dance, music alongside a visual arts gallery of artwork showcasing the imagination and creativity of students across each of the seven schools.

“The evening was filled with energy and emotion as families, staff, special guests and the community celebrated students as they took to the stage with confidence and pride.,” Ms Donalson said. “The showcase not only celebrated artistic achievement but also created an inclusive space where every student’s voice could be heard and every performance appreciated.

“It was reported that tears of happiness were shed, due to seeing students amazing performances, muscles were aching from the smiling from the pride of parents, carers and staff and laugh lines were created by an enormous amount of laughter.

“There was truly an ambience of understanding, high expectations and the feeling of belonging and acceptance.

“The combined signing choir saw 40 students take to the stage to perform two songs that brought everyone together in a captivating and powerful performance of unity and harmony that truly captured the spirit of RISE.”

All participating students wore a RISE T-shirt for the finale. This was made possible due to a generous donation from The Blacktown Ponds Lions Club.

Students were involved in all aspects of the event from creating the logo, to designing artworks and developing, rehearsing and performing, making the evening truly their own and giving each student their moment to shine.

“What made this evening even more remarkable was that the entire showcase was put together in just two school terms,” Ms Donaldson said. “In that short time, students learned routines, rehearsed songs, created artworks, and prepared for the stage with the guidance and support of their teachers and support staff.

“The success of this first event has laid a strong foundation for the future. With the enthusiasm of both students and staff, the RISE CAPA showcase is set to grow bigger and brighter in the years to come. Every student was given the opportunity to shine, because together we will RISE.”