Jubilee Song Writing Contest

The SCS Jubilee 2025 Songwriting Competition is a collaboration between the Catholic parish of All Saints Liverpool and the Sydney Catholic Schools Mission and Identity Team. Pope Francis designated the 2025 Holy Year as a time to renew ourselves as "Pilgrims of Hope". It is a time to reset, and to renew our relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation. We are inviting student songwriters from across the Archdiocese to compose an original song to convey the message of this Jubilee Year and showcase what is good, true and beautiful.

The composer/s of the winning entry will be invited to premiere their work at the Sydney Catholic Schools Head Office, World Square.

This is an exciting opportunity for songwriters to contribute to the extraordinary work of the evangelising mission of the Church.

Participation Guidelines

• The competition is open to all students from Year 7 – Year 12 within the Sydney Catholic School System. 

• Submissions may be made by a solo songwriter, a songwriting duo/trio or a school group/band.

• The duration of the song must not exceed 3 minutes.

• The lyrics of the song must relate to the support material provided relating to the Jubilee Year, capturing the essence of the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. A briefing document will be provided to guide participants as to the significance and key themes and concepts of the Year of Jubilee. 

• Entries must be original works and not infringe any copyrights or any other rights of third parties.

• Schools may submit multiple entries.

• An SCS teacher is required to complete the registration form and ensure that the submission includes:

• a video performance of the song on a phone or laptop and export it as MP4.

• A separate copy of the lyrics is to accompany the submission in DOC or PDF format.

• Label each file as follows: Jubilee Songwriting Competition_schoolname_student/groupname_songtitle.

A shortlist of finalists will be curated by representatives of the SCS Mission and Identity Team & SCS Arts Team. The selected composer/s will work with an international producer to professionally record and produce their song.

By participating in the competition, entrants agree to their song being used by Sydney Catholic Schools for non-sale promotional purposes. This may include placing the winning song (or samples) and/or reproducing the lyrics on Sydney Catholic Schools website and social media. The rights and ownership of the winning song  will remain with the composer.

Entrants also consent for photos and videos to be taken during the recording process,  premiere performance, and any other Sydney Catholic Schools events. These may also be used for other Catholic organisations. All participants entering the Jubilee 2025 Songwriting Competition agree that the decision of the review panel will be final.

Closing Date: All entries must be received by Term 1 Week 10, Friday, 11 April and the winning song will be announced Friday, 30 May. 

Details regarding the submission process  will be available via school Religious Education Coordinators.

For more information please contact John Burland via john.burland@syd.catholic.edu.au.