With a small platoon of kids, it takes military- style precision for the Chalk family to make it to school on time – and everyone in this clan of 11 children under 10 knows the drill. “I have a certain way of doing things, and the kids have done it the same way for so long it’s like second nature to them,” says 33-year-old supermum Dale, of the morning routine that ensures they won’t be late for their first day of the 2012 school year.

And there are no tears or tantrums when, as seven-year-old Samuel puts it, “the big hand hits the three and the little hand hits the eight” and it’s time for these eager littlies – stars of LifeStyle Channel’s documentary 11 Kids & Wanting More – to head off. “School’s the best thing ever,” says Shelby, who is going into Year 4 and can’t wait to tell all her playmates what she’s been up to over the summer break.

And even Mum won’t shed a tear on this first day back. “I love when they go to school, because they love school. I love that they love it,” says Dale, who, incredibly, finds time to study for a Bachelor of Paramedic Science once she’s tucked them all into bed and is waiting for husband Darren, 41, to get home from his night job as an ambulance driver.

“They are super-excited to see their wonderful teachers, who are absolute treasures. I love that they want to learn so much and get excited over their classes. As far as Darren and I are concerned, education is the most important thing for our kids.”

Read more about the Chalk family's lifestyle in this week's Woman's Day, on sale January 23, 2012.