Community
13 September, 2025
Students face the chop
TRINITY Anglican School’s 2025 year 12 cohort made a bold gesture in the fight against cancer, taking part in the school’s sixth annual ‘Ponytail Project’.
Last Wednesday, 10 September, 34 students, including 13 young men, took to the stage at the TAS White Rock campus to shave, chop or buzz their hair, all in support of Cancer Council Queensland.
For many students, the decision to part with their locks was deeply personal.
Holly Mood, who has never cut her hair short before, said the project was significant because both her grandparents have battled cancer.
“It’s a tough thing to do, but for the people who’ve been affected by cancer… it’s essential,” she said.
Ms Mood set a personal fundraising goal of $1000 but exceeded it, raising $1800 through posters and charity boxes at her parents’ businesses.
“It’s inspiring to know I did something good to help the community,” she said.
School captain Max Lauchlan described the event as both a fundraising effort and a chance to create a legacy for future students.
“As I’ve gone through high school, I’ve always looked at the year 12s taking part and it’s really inspired me. This year, to be a part of it is just amazing,” he said.
Master Lauchlan also highlighted the creativity and dedication of the cohort in reaching their fundraising target of $30,000 through sausage sizzles, curry days and raffles.
“We’d like to pass on our legacy to future students, inspiring them to take part in such a good cause,” he said.
TAS dean of students Jennifer Fukushima praised the compassion and commitment of the students, noting the project’s broader impact.
“Everyone’s had cancer touch their lives in one way or another. The students really band together and do a lot of things together,” she said.
Interestingly, while the girls’ ponytails are used to make wigs for cancer patients, the boys’ hair can also serve an environmental purpose, helping to mop up oil spills. This detail has added another dimension to the initiative.
