Raoul's extra-special birthday

Turning 12 on 12/12/12 is an auspicious, fantastic and spectacular experience all rolled into one and Raoul Sarup knows it.

"I know this is a very special day in my life and yes I do feel special ... it's very interesting I think," he said.

His birthday was the main subject talked about around school yesterday, he said.

"Everyone was talking to me about it ... because ... well ... it's so different, really. And today will be so good, because our class is making icecream and Christmas decorations and it's my birthday as well."

When asked if he felt extremely special, Raoul said he "sort of did".

"But I think there will be many others in the world feeling like me today ... it would be so good to meet some of them."

The St Mary's Year 7 student is a computer whizz and has won the IT prize at school three years in a row.

Tonight he will have a family birthday dinner with his mum, dad and younger brother and sister, he said.

But on Friday Raoul will be the star of a big, belated birthday party starting at 6.30pm in a local hall where 40 guests have been invited.

"It will be so great with a DJ, lights and lots of food like pizzas, lollies and chippies and things."

His guests were mostly the senior Year 8 students from school, who were all leaving St Mary's for secondary school next year, he said.

"They are all my friends, so it's kind of a birthday to me and a farewell all in one."

Raoul said he was very lucky to have such good parents.

"... because it is going to be such a good time and I know they are happy to do this for me."