Surfside students shave heads in bold show of support

SURFSIDE Primary School has rallied behind two much-loved teachers facing breast cancer, with staff, students and families uniting for a fundraising event this afternoon (Friday, September 19).

The school grounds turned into a sea of pink as music, face-painting and head-shaving took centre stage, raising both awareness and funds for the Breast Cancer Network in honour of teachers Gill Hodgson and Diana Wright.

Grade 6 students Ethan Scott, Spencer McCrae, Ollie Verhagen and Marlow White, along with teacher Ande Santilli, volunteered their hair for the cause, shaving off their locks in solidarity.

“Me and some of my mates shaved our heads because…we wanted them to feel the same as everyone else,” Ollie said.

Ms Wright has taught at the school for almost six years and was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer in June. She is currently undergoing treatment.

The boys who shaved their heads today were her students just two years ago.

“All of this was born out of them wanting to raise awareness and raise money and that’s exactly what they’ve done.

“The boys that shaved their heads are just amazing.

“They’re change-makers — you will hear about them in years to come — they just wanted to take action.

The entire school community joined in, with students, families and staff turning out during lunchtime to show their support.

Ms Hodgson said the school is a “beautiful place” where everybody can go and be seen for what’s going on around them, a theme that was on display in today’s celebrations.

“It is just a reflection of our amazing school community who can really rally around people to support them in very authentic ways and turn something that could be seen as a negative, or something to be afraid of, into a party and a celebration and a true gathering of support.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Ms Wright and her family.

Donations can be made at gofund.me/1de9f5b92