WORLD’S GREATEST SHAVE

The spirit of service was on full display across the College as students and staff united behind the 2026 World’s Greatest Shave, a Round Square service project that raised an extraordinary $21,500 for the Leukaemia Foundation. More than double our original goal of $10,000.

Mr Stuart Walls, our Director of Round Square, notes that the project reflected one of Round Square’s core ISEALS. “The Service IDEAL is fundamental to everything about Round Square,” Mr Walls said. “The Round Square Committee set out to support both the College and wider Tasmanian communities through vital leukaemia research. Their leadership inspired participation across the Elphin and Penquite campuses and helped achieve a remarkable result.”

This year marked a milestone, with the Junior School participating for the first time, and the response from students and staff was overwhelming. A highlight of the day was seeing our College Captains, Calan and Bella, shave their heads in support of the Leukaemia Foundation, while Boarding Captain Allegra donated her hair to support people experiencing hair loss during treatment.

As they sat in the chair, students gathered to cheer them on, creating an atmosphere of strong community support. Their actions reflected the generosity and compassion valued at Scotch Oakburn.

The event also included a vibrant Wacky Hair Day, with creative styles across the Junior School. Students embracing creative hairstyles ranging from noodle-themed creations to balloon-decorated designs, with the campus filled with colour, laughter and school spirit, making the inaugural event both memorable and meaningful.

At the Penquite Campus, enthusiasm continued during our Round Square assembly, where 18 students and staff shaved, cut or coloured their hair to raise further funds and awareness.

The atmosphere in the HPEC was electric as students, staff and supporters came together. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the original fundraising goal was far surpassed. We would like to give a special recognition to Ms Helen Dosser, who honoured her promise to shave her head if $10,000 was reached.

Ms Dosser said “What I did not expect was how much the shave itself would change my understanding of the cause. Going without my hair has made me visible in a way I had not foreseen. It has made me obvious. At times, it has made me feel genuinely vulnerable. I have noticed the second glances, the moments of uncertainty in how people respond, and the quiet awareness of looking different from how I looked before. And in those moments, something shifted for me.

“I came to realise that leukaemia, and illnesses like it, are not only about a devastating diagnosis that must be met with medical care and research funding, important as those things are. They are also about the visible signs that a person carries with them, often without choice, and the way the world responds to those signs. The vulnerability I feel is temporary and entirely of my own making. For many people, it is neither. That realisation has stayed with me, and I hope it stays with our community too.”

The Round Square Committee thanks everyone who donated, volunteered and showed their support. Together, the community made a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by blood cancer while demonstrating the power of service, leadership and compassion.

Oscar Mann, Fergus Stewart and Lucy van der Aa
Round Square Chairs