Community
29 August, 2026
Students ‘rock the chop’
MORE than half of the Trinity Anglican School (TAS) Year 12 cohort got the chop on Wednesday, donating their painstakingly grown locks to support people affected by cancer.
A total of 29 students took part in the school’s annual Rock the Chop event, emerging with new hairstyles after their ponytails were lopped for Sustainable Salons, which will use the donated hair to create wigs for people experiencing hair loss due to medical treatments.
The graduating class also surpassed its $30,000 fundraising target for Cancer Council Queensland’s Ponytail Project, reaching almost $32,000 on the day.
Money raised through this year’s chop will support cancer research, prevention initiatives and practical services for people affected by cancer.
Head of TAS Secondary Ms Jennifer Fukushima said Rock the Chop had become a milestone for the school’s senior students.
“It’s kind of a rite of passage for our Year 12 students, and they fundraise. They do lots of different fundraising activities,” she said.
“I think the big part for us is that the whole process is owned by the students.”
Ms Fukushima said students approached Cairns businesses for support and helped younger students understand the Ponytail Project.
“We’ve got a student cutting her hair today who has been growing it for six years,” she said.
Year 12 student Imogen Green said her family’s experience of cancer motivated her to participate.
“My family has been greatly affected by cancer, and I really think this is very important to us,” she said.
Fellow student Jayde Gilboy had waited years for her opportunity.
“It seems like a rite of passage, and it brings us all closer because it’s such a common cause for everyone,” she said.
James Pereira was among the boys taking part after witnessing family members experience cancer.
“I’ve had a lot of family members who have experienced cancer, and I just wanted to show some support and help those who, you know, deserve it,” he said.
TAS has participated in the annual Ponytail Project since 2019, raising more than $180,000 for Cancer Council Queensland.
