Triplets thrilled to be back at school

Identical triplets (from left) Olivia, Charlotte and Haylee Kelly (6) are glad to be back for...
Identical triplets (from left) Olivia, Charlotte and Haylee Kelly (6) are glad to be back for their second year at Milton Primary School. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Apparently, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing - especially when it comes to the Kelly triplets.

For the past month, 6-year-old Taieri Mouth identical triplets Olivia, Charlotte and Haylee have been excitedly counting down the days leading to their return to Milton Primary School yesterday.

Their mother, Michelle, said they were the best of friends but they were also sociable and loved the company of others - hence their desire to return to school.

"I had to write the back-to-school date on the calender, and we crossed off each day.

"The last two weeks of the holidays, they were pretty keen to get back. They were getting tired of their own company and they just really wanted to see their friends again.

"Possibly, it was a case of too much of a good thing.''

The girls started their second year at Milton Primary School yesterday, and were particularly looking forward to physical education and art.

Charlotte said they had their own friends, but still got together when they could.

"When we were 5, we used to play with each other lots, but now we play with our friends heaps.''

While mum can tell them apart by how they look and sound, their fellow pupils and teachers sometimes struggle.

Their different sets of earrings help distinguish them, and they were separated into different classes this year.

Principal Tania McNamara said this was to allow the girls to develop their own individuality.

The girls are among 31,700 Otago pupils who would start or return to school this week, and among 753,000 nationwide.

Ministry of Education sector enablement and support head Katrina Casey said there were many things parents could do to support their children at school.

"Ensuring there's a suitable space at home for homework is important, for example. And for older students tackling NCEA, this is a good time for parents to sit down with their kids and set some clear goals for the year ahead.

"What does your son or daughter want to achieve this year? Make a plan to check in with them regularly to see what support they need to help achieve their goals,'' she said.

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