TEACHERS in Sunshine West and St Albans decided to be brave and shave last Friday to support the Leukaemia Foundation’s annual World’s Greatest Shave campaign.
The annual event raises money for the foundation, which provides support to leukaemia sufferers and their families, and also invests in research for a cure.
Last week St Albans Primary School teacher Matthew shaved his head at a school assembly organised by pupils.
In addition, Jacinta Edwards and Sarah Beath from St Pauls Primary School in Sunshine West shaved off their locks in front of a student audience.
Speaking to Star pre-shave, Ms Beath said past pupils and people she has known with leukaemia inspired her to take part in the event.
“I’m looking forward to it. I think it will be fun,” she said.
“I’ve had people say, ‘Won’t you miss your long hair?’”
“But I have said to the kids: ‘it’s only hair, it will grow back’.”
Ms Edwards said youngsters at the school have been excited to see their teachers take part in the World’s Greatest Shave.
“From the school’s point of view – we have a fairly strong curriculum of social justice, charity and teaching kids to help others,” she said.
“I thought I would give it a go because I’ve been thinking about it for a number of years.
“Six years ago, I had a nephew and a good friend survive leukaemia, and I lost my mother to leukaemia eight years ago.”
In a coincidence, last Friday – the day she shaved her head – was the anniversary of her Mum’s death.
Also last week the St Pauls team were ranked 14th on the list of Victorian Leukaemia Foundation fundraising teams, with more than $5000 pledged.
