Senior Students Cut For A Cure

In a powerful show of support, seven senior students from Whitsunday Anglican School came together in their final term to make a difference, cutting their hair for the Ponytail Project and supporting those affected by cancer through the Cancer Council.

Amelia Werner, Faith Rayner, Alex Otto, Amel Seethyah, Emerson Crowe, Olivia Whitehead, Hope Ware and Jazzie Sullivan all took part in this meaningful cause, where each student pledged to cut at least 20 centimetres from their hair. The donated hair will then be turned into wigs for individuals experiencing medically induced hair loss due to cancer treatment.

Throughout the year, these students were dedicated to growing their hair and their efforts resulted in a special event that saw them “rock the chop” in front of their peers. With support from their classmates, teachers and the wider Whitsunday Anglican School community, the group managed to raise over $6,800 for the Cancer Council.

Service to others is a significant part of Whitsunday Anglican School’s approach to education and this initiative allowed the senior students to not only give back, but also to learn valuable lessons in empathy, teamwork and community leadership. The school has participated in fundraising events for three consecutive years now, each focusing on raising awareness and support for important causes.

The students involved reflected on their experiences with pride.

Amelia Werner, who cut 27 centimetres from her hair, said, “It’s a really good feeling knowing it’s going to be made into wigs for patients affected by cancer.”

She added, “At first, it was a bit of a thrill, but it’s nice having shorter hair now, especially with summer coming.”

Jazzie Sullivan also shared her thoughts, saying, “I still feel a bit nervous, but I love it. It’s a real privilege to be part of this since people in my family have been affected by cancer.”

In previous years, the school has participated in “Mullets for Mental Health” and “Shave for a Cure,” making this year’s “Ponytail Project” another memorable milestone in the school’s charitable events.

Deputy Principal Jamie Novosel commended the students’ commitment, saying, “What a great initiative for a great cause for our students to be leading.

“Over the past three years, we’ve raised money through events where hair is shaped into mullets, completely shaved, or, as we have here today, cut for the Ponytail Project.

“It’s great to see our students take part in something that has such a positive impact.”

When asked about future plans, Mr. Novosel added, “I’m not sure what next year will entail—it could be mohawks or coloured hair…we’ll see what the senior class of 2025 comes up with.”

If you would like to donate, please visit www.ponytailproject.com.au/fundraisers/2024WASSeniorGirls

This fundraiser is only open for a limited time.

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$6,800 raised and counting: Whitsunday Anglican students “rocked the chop”, as they donated their locks to help provide wigs for those in need through the Cancer Council. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Mr Novosel, Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Head of Senior School) and Ms Holm, Dean of Senior School, with the team from Moldielox Barber and the courageous senior school students who Rocked The Chop as part of The Ponytail Project. Our biggest congratulations to:  Amelia Werner, Faith Rayner, Alex Otto, Amel Seethyah, Emerson Crowe, Olivia Whitehead, Hope Ware, Isabel M, and Jazzie Sullivan, who have been growing their hair and cut at least 20cm off for donation to The Cancer Council to make into wigs for those experiencing medically-induced hair loss.

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