A little off the top: Mason is delighted with a fresh cut at the World's Greatest Shave at St Mary's Primary School, while friend Harry waits.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Ten Year 6 students from St Mary’s Primary School, Echuca, raised more than $13,000 by taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave on Thursday, September 14.
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Fellow students sat with teachers and family watched on in delight as the boys had their heads shaved for the Leukaemia Foundation fundraiser.
Student Mason, who has the biggest personality, had the largest grin as the trimmer lopped off his dreadlocks.
Euphoric: Year 6 student Mason takes part in his first World's Greatest Shave at St Mary's Primary School.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
“I can’t believe we raised more than $5000 and reached $13,000 in total,” he said.
“I’m very happy for the boys and myself. The cheering is a little overwhelming, but knowing I did something positive for the community is good.
“I would like to do this again next year when I attend St Joe’s with my friends.”
There was rapturous applause as the boys lost their locks, while thinking about the countless people who have experienced and are being treated for leukaemia.
Let’s go: St Mary's Primary School students and staff member waiting for a trim for a cause.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Teaching assistant Cheryl Favaloro provided the boys with a guiding hand as they organised and prepared for the big day.
“I’m very proud of our Year 6 boys having the initiative to come up with this. They’ve let their hair grow long, and they’ve shaved it for a terrific cause,” Mrs Favaloro said.
“We had one young boy in there who is in remission from cancer — having his schoolmates that come and support him and want to do this with him. It just tugs the heartstrings. It’s just incredible.
“I’m honoured to do it with such a fantastic bunch of boys who now are preparing to go on to secondary school, and I think they’ll become leaders in their new school next year.”
Mrs Favaloro said being part of such a momentous event was more than just a simple shave of the head.
“I have a couple of dear friends going through chemotherapy. I think each and every person has had somebody in their life who has been affected,” she said.
Fantastic: St Mary's Primary School staff member Cheryl Favaloro after having her hair shaved.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Fortunately for the boys, this won’t be their final year together as they will all go to St Joseph’s College once they finish primary school.
Some of the young fellows spoke about their feelings about getting the trim as part of the school assembly.
“Knowing that we raised so much money for less fortunate people feels great,” student Olly said.
“It’s incredible knowing all my friends came along and did this together.
“When I was first on stage, I was nervous but also excited.”
Jasper looked on the positive side with a trim crew cut.
“I would love to do this next year when I attend St Joe’s,” he said.
“No bed hair in the morning.”
Mrs Favaloro gave her final thoughts on what was a beautiful afternoon.
“They’re a lovely group of boys with big hearts,” Mrs Favaloro said.
If you want to donate money to a worthy cause, please visit https://worldsgreatestshave.com
