Caritas College at Port Augusta has 4 sets of twins graduating Year 12 together this term.
The one set of identical twins and three sets of fraternal twins began together as a group, in the same class, back in Year 2.
Three sets of twins (Aidan & Alisha Fry, Amelia & Lara Etchells and Peta & Perri Guidolin) started school in Reception together in 2007. The Fraser twins, Jack & Chelsea, then started at Caritas in 2009 in Year 2, marking the start the twins’ schooling journey together.
In recent years, the College has not seen more than one set of twins graduating in the same year level.
All of the twins acknowledge that being a part of one of 4 sets of twins in the same year level is very special, particularly given they make up almost a third of the whole cohort!
“The best part though is telling people and seeing their reaction, it’s pretty funny!” says Peta. Adds Chelsea, “the best part for me was that having four sets of twins in the same year level is so unique that it feels good to be a part of something so rare”.
They say the best part about sharing their schooling journey with their sibling is being able to make memories together and share milestones such as graduating.
“It was great knowing you always have someone to support you no matter the situation throughout the whole of our schooling” explains Amelia. Sister Lara adds “we shared lots of memories and we can look back on our school life together”.
However, there can be downsides to being at school with your twin, as Alisha Fry found out. “In primary school, if one twin got in trouble the other would hear and see it and tell mum and dad when we got home!”.
Peta and Perri Guidolin, as the only identical pair, said although sometimes being seen as individuals with their own interests and personalities has been difficult, they have had some fun with it too!
“In year 8, we swapped classes for a whole lesson, with the help of some of the other twins, without the teacher realising!”, shares Perri. “We got in a little bit of trouble after that!”.
With different career aspirations, the twins will mostly go their separate ways with their study choices after graduation. Most plan to move to Adelaide to further their studies, and although living together, will study very different vocations.
With just 27 in their graduating class, the four sets of twins are all good friends, so no doubt they will continue to keep in touch in the coming years and have many fond memories as they look back on their journey together.
Loreto College at Marryatville has been named on a 2019 national list of schools at the cutting edge of change and innovation in Australia.
