Embracing twins and new leadership in Tatura

By Kelly Carmody

Jan 30, 2024

As term one commenced at Sacred Heart School in Tatura on Tuesday, the school welcomed a new principal and greeted three sets of twins starting in Prep.

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The twin duos displayed a mix of nerves and excitement while looking cute in their new uniforms. Despite the array of emotions, they all shared a common bond — the support of their twin sibling.

Jamie McDowall, the recently appointed principal, who returned to the region from Moree, NSW, said that after having twin boys himself, he was pretty good at picking up subtle differences.

“Raising twin boys gives you an insight into how they can be very different even when they share so many similarities,” Mr McDowall said.

“I have worked around twins before, and they are always very interesting. In total, the school now has eight sets.

First-day jitters and smiles: Sacred Heart School Tatura welcomes new principal and celebrates eight sets of twins. Back - Luca Munari, Eve Nation, Lexi Munari, Zac Nation, Anabella and Sophia Cricelli, and Nicola and Alex Tartaglia. Middle - Darcy Chessels, Archie and Bohdan Cimera, principal Jamie McDowall, Elliott and Jackson Gale and Thomas Mallon. Front - Finn Chessells and Madeline Mallon. Photo by Kelly Carmody

“I look forward to getting to know all the students within this wonderful school as I settle into my new role here.”

The principal and father-of-three also commented on how lovely it was to return to a thriving region after 25 years living away from Shepparton.

“The expansion of Shepparton is incredible. And the education opportunities parents have for their children here in the area are fantastic,” he said.

“I also look forward to working with the high schools as our Year 6 students get closer to choosing which high school they will attend; it’s essential to make sure their transition is smooth.

“As a family for us, the move has been great. In Moree, it was a four-hour drive to see a dentist and over an hour to attend swimming lessons. There was a lot of time in the car.

“Moree is rich in culture in its own way, but we are all certainly ready to just be able to drive 10 minutes to Aquamoves and do things you can take for granted sometimes.”

Uniformed cuteness: Prep twins Madeline and Thomas Mallon on their first day at Sacred Heart School Tatura. Photo by Kelly Carmody

Sacred Heart School’s vision encompasses various elements, including celebrating the Catholic faith, nurturing relationships with families and fostering relationships based on respect, trust and care.

Mr McDowall said he was thrilled to be leading such a beautiful school.

“The school is a bit smaller than what I am used to, but I am looking forward to focusing on strategic work and system and school improvements,” he said.

“It will also be great to collaborate with the school’s leadership team to elevate the school’s status from good to great.”