Larissa began working at Hume Anglican Grammar in 2022 as one of Kalkallo’s founding staff members. Larissa says it has been incredibly rewarding to see the campus grow from just over 100 students to being at full capacity in less than five years. During this time, she has taught Prep, Year 1 and Year 2, served as Head of Learning Enhancement for one year, and is currently House Coordinator for Summerhill. 

Larissa is also parent to triplets Eli, Marley and Aliyah, who are in Year 6 at our Freier Campus.

What do you like most about working at Hume Anglican Grammar?
The staff at Kalkallo are undoubtedly one of the campus' greatest strengths. They are not only welcoming, supportive and collaborative, but also highly capable educators who are committed to continuous improvement. There is a culture of trust, innovation and professional curiosity, where staff embrace new ideas, reflect on their practice and work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for every student. I have a deep appreciation for the breadth of opportunities available at our school. There is such a wonderful range of specialist subjects, co-curricular activities, excursions, camps and enrichment programs, that allow every student to explore their interests and discover their strengths.

It has been a privilege to contribute to the development of Kalkallo Campus from the very beginning, helping shape the identity, culture and direction. 

Who has had the biggest impact on your career and why?
One of the reasons I became a teacher is because my dad is also a teacher. I grew up surrounded by teachers, and school always felt like a familiar and welcoming place. During Secondary school, my dad moved to the same college that I attended. One fond memory I have is volunteering as an assistant on an Outdoor Education camp that my dad was running while I was completing my teacher training. Amazingly, my dad is still teaching at the age of 75 and tells me it's the secret to staying young. He is a great role model and the most patient person I know.

Can you tell us about your experience as a parent of multiples?
I am the proud mother of triplets who are currently in Year 6 at the Freier Campus of Hume Anglican Grammar. Eli, Marley and Aliyah are fraternal triplets, which means they do not look the same. This has made their journey at school easier, as they have been able to establish their own individual identities without the added pressure of being confused with their siblings. One of the things that attracted us to Hume was that there were three classes at each year level, giving us the flexibility to place our children together or in separate classes depending on what best met their individual needs. 

Classroom placement is a complex decision for parents of multiples, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Research recommends that parents, teachers and the multiples themselves work together each year to consider a range of factors before making this decision. Last year, I was awarded a scholarship to complete a Certificate in Twin Education at Ohio Dominican University, where I learned to use evidence-based tools to support decisions about school placement for multiples. I am one of only two people in Australia to have completed this course and have been able to utilise these skills in my volunteer work, supporting other multiple birth families to make the right decision for their family. 

Eli, Marley and Aliyah began their schooling journey in the same classroom with the lovely Mrs Pikos. As a first-time parent, navigating one teacher, one timetable and one lot of events seemed a lot more manageable. From Year 2 onwards, they have been in separate classes. It is reassuring to know that even though they are separate, they are right next door to each other and always have each other on school camps. One of the other nice things about having a child in each class has been getting to know every single child in their year level. It is lovely to know that they are heading off to high school with a beautiful cohort of children. 

Can you expand on your work with multiple birth families?
When I found out I was expecting triplets, the first thing I did was look for my local multiple birth club. I joined the Diamond Valley Multiple Birth Association and found the support and companionship of other twin and triplet parents invaluable. Just before my triplets turned one, I began volunteering with the club. Over the years, I have held a variety of roles, including several years as Club President. After attending a national convention, I was inspired to become involved at a national level. I have now served on the Australian Multiple Birth Association (AMBA) Board for the past nine years, including three years as Chairperson.

As an AMBA Director, my primary focus is advocacy, education and research. My role includes planning conventions, delivering webinars for parents, collaborating with researchers, lobbying the government and raising awareness through the media. Some of my volunteering highlights include facilitating a playgroup at Parliament House in Canberra, hosting AMBA’s 50^th Anniversary celebration, representing AMBA at the Australian Government Early Years Strategy Roundtable, being awarded two national volunteer awards, and having a number of my articles published online and in magazines. 

More recently, my volunteering has expanded to the international stage after I was invited to join the International Council of Multiple Birth Organisations. I am especially excited to help host an international conference in Australia next year, bringing together twin researchers and representatives from multiple birth organisations around the world to share knowledge, research and best practice. 

Fast Four:

If your friends could describe you in one word, what would it be?
Organised.

What is one thing you couldn’t live without?
I love travelling and can't imagine life without it. 

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
When I was in primary school, I wanted to be an architect as I have always enjoyed art and design. 

If you could only eat one cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chinese food is my absolute favourite. 

Larissa was recently interviewed by ABC National Radio about Brisbane's new identical quadruplet family who also have four other children. Larissa talks about how her fraternal triplets were born at 26 weeks and four days, weighing between 800g and 900g. They then went on to spend 132 days in hospital. Larissa also gives some interesting insights noting that when the triplets were born they went through 200 nappies per week. 

Click here to listen (Larissa comes in at 5:15): Raising identical quadruplets – ABC listen