It’s a time of new beginnings, from our littlest learners starting Kindergarten to those embarking on their high school journey, and all their parents. New classrooms, new routines, new friends, new shoes!
At Good Shepherd Primary Plumpton, there was triple the excitement as they welcomed three sets of twins to their Kindy cohort. Zyron and Zekias, Barkon and Yohanan along with Jasveen and Kudrut instantly connected with their fellow twin friends on the first day of school.
Sending one child off to school is a big moment for any parent, let alone two! For the parents of the twins at Good Shepherd, their choice of school was a decision rooted in trust and a shared commitment to values-based education.
“Good Shepherd offers good values, respect, welcoming… all the sort of things I already teach at home but to have that reinforced at school is wonderful,” said Zekias and Zyron’s mum Natalie.
Three sets of twins start Kindergarten at Good Shepherd Primary, Plumpton. Image: CSPD/Supplied
“While there’s been some tears through these first few weeks, one of the big wins is picking them up every afternoon and they’ve always got huge smiles on their faces.”
For Barkon and Yohanan’s dad, Mesfin, the focus is on the learning.
“Education is very important, and I think sending the twins to Good Shepherd is worth it,” said Mesfin. “They have very good teachers and also learn lessons about the Bible.”
“As soon as they wake up in the morning, they want to go straight to school,” he said. “They love their uniforms, they’re making friends, and they love each other so they’re very happy at Good Shepherd.”
If three sets of twins is unique, five sets is incredibly rare as was the case for Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park this year!
Principal Tania Cairns welcomed each pair of sisters into the Year 7 cohort excited about the opportunities their secondary schooling will bring to them individually and together.
Five sets of twins from Year 7 with Principal Tania Carins at Caroline Chisholm College, Glenmore Park. Image: CSPD/Supplied
“We have had two and three sets of twins but five is extraordinary,” said Tania. “It’s very, very special, especially in an all-girls school. Last year we had identical twin captains, and they were great role models, so I’m excited about what the future holds for these girls.”
At St Margaret Mary’s Primary Merrylands, it’s a busy time for mum Marina Raad. Not only are her twins Amelia and Isabella starting Kindy, they also have a new three-week-old baby brother.
“It’s a new chapter for the girls and for us as a family as well,” said Marina.
Twins Amelia and Isabella at St Margaret Mary’s Primary, Merrylands. Image: CSPD/Supplied
“We’ve obviously got a new addition to the family, so we’re getting used to new beginnings and new experiences.”
For new Principal Grace Carlo-Stella, ensuring all students and their parents feel confident and supported by the school is a top priority.
“I always look after kids at school as if they’re my own,” said Grace, who is a mum herself. “Trust that teachers and staff know what we’re doing, that we have the best interest of the kids at heart.”
This article was originally published in the 2024 Easter | Autumn edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
