Saint Mary’s Catholic College is proud to announce the return of its beloved annual event, the Celebration of Technology and The Arts (COTTA).
A long-standing tradition and cultural highlight for the community, COTTA brings together students, families, and community members to celebrate creativity, innovation, and artistic expression.
This year, COTTA will be held from 5pm on Thursday, 9 October, and promises a bold new format under the creative direction of Mr Matt Emery, a School Officer whose calm and supportive presence in the classroom has made him a favourite
among students.
Beyond his day-to-day role, Mr Emery has contributed his production expertise to a range of school initiatives, including Rock on Stage, as well as several lunchtime and after-school clubs. His experience and passion for student engagement have helped shape a more immersive and interactive experience for COTTA 2025.
Attendees will see the Maryknoll Centre transformed into an arts festival venue with galleries, live art displays, a food and coffee van, tours, music stages, and a cinema that brings students’ technological and artistic abilities to life.
From digital showcases to collaborative artworks and performance pieces, this year’s event will invite the audience to not just observe, but participate.
Mrs Mandy Sullivan, Acting College Principal, said the new direction for COTTA reflects the College’s commitment to celebrating student voice and creativity.
“COTTA has always been a special event for our community, but this year’s format brings a new level of energy and engagement,” Mrs Sullivan said.
“Thanks to Mr Emery’s creative leadership, our students are not only showcasing their talents—they’re inviting us into their creative process.”
Mr Emery said his goal is to create more real-world opportunities for students to share their artistic gifts with the community.
“I’m passionate about finding ways to celebrate our students’ creativity as often as possible,” Mr Emery said.
“COTTA is a chance to bring their ideas to life in a way that’s interactive, inspiring, and truly reflective of the talent we have here at Saint Mary’s.”
Saint Mary’s Catholic College warmly invites families, friends, and community members to join in the celebration and experience the vibrant fusion of technology and the arts.
