St Joseph’s School in Childers isn’t just witnessing an extraordinary surge in twins and triplets, it's also embracing a remarkable rise in families with multiple children in its community.
Among them is the Jenkins family, who last year enrolled their five children, including triplets in Year 3 - Ila, Demi, and Chase.
Mother Cass Jenkins said it’s a joy to have her five children, who include youngest Nash in Year 1, and Cohen in Year 5, attend St Joseph’s School.
“I never thought of our family as large,” she says.
“To us it’s normal, but I know it’s not common to see five children from the one family anymore.
“With so many large families across the whole school, including two sets of twins in the same year level as my triplets, my children feel very at home.”
The surge of multiples has seen the school grow from 122 in 2023 to an impressive 134 in 2024.
It has also enriched the school with new personalities and experiences.
Principal Christina Day says she welcomes all families – big and small - to join the thriving Childers community.
“Families like the Jenkins provide so much support to our school community,” she says.
“Cass invests a lot of time volunteering at our school, from helping out at the tuck shop, and cooking for parent engagement night.”
The Principal added that four sets of twins and one set of triplets are enrolled in 2024.
“It is quite an extraordinary occurrence within a small country town of less than 1600 people,” she says.
"Learning to distinguish between the twins has been quite the adventure.
"Identical twins Sophia and Mia wear different earrings, helping us tell them apart.
“It's a constant puzzle for us, but we enjoy the challenge.
“We thank God every day for the joy and diversity these multiples bring to our school community.”
St Joseph's School continues to embrace diversity, inclusivity, and parental involvement, fostering an environment where every student’s learning journey is celebrated and supported.
To find out more about St Joseph’s School Childers or to enrol click here.
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St Joseph’s School Childers see surge in twins and triplets. Four sets of twins and one set of triplets (front right) featured. Image copyright belongs to St Joseph's School Childers.