Derham House Captain Nicholas Graves (Year 12) spearheaded this year’s World’s Greatest Shave event at Camberwell Grammar. ‘I felt that it would be a worthwhile event as I remembered when Camberwell Grammar last participated in this fundraiser in 2018, and how it fostered a sense of solidarity and unity amongst the school community, which had been disrupted in recent years due to Covid-19 shutdowns. This year, this solidarity was exemplified by the number of students and staff who came to the PAC to support their friends and teachers as they got up on stage and bravely had their heads shaved.’ 

‘The wider school community vigorously supported our event and together raised an incredible $68,269, the most ever in the School’s history, shattering our original goal of $15,000,’ adds Nicholas. This was an incredible show of support for the Leukaemia Foundation, which works to provide medical care and assistance to those suffering from blood cancer,  a disease that has touched many members of our school community, as well as researching treatments and cures.

‘We were also lucky enough to have a representative from the Leukaemia Foundation, Ms Pooja Ingle, visit and speak to the School on the day and provide us with an insight into how the money we had raised would be used,’ furthers Nicholas. Ms Pooja Ingle congratulated the School on their huge efforts, sharing that Camberwell Grammar was one of the top two fundraising schools in Victoria. 

Alexander Choong (Year 12) was the School’s highest fundraiser with a remarkable total of $11,500, and earned himself the opportunity to shave Headmaster Dr Paul Hicks’ head – which he relished. 

‘I would like to thank Mr Rayner, Mrs Elliot, and Mr Miriklis for their help organising the day, as well as every student, staff member, parent, or friend who participated, donated, or supported on the day as it would not have been such a success without the enthusiastic members of the Camberwell Grammar School community,’ expresses a very thankful Nicholas. ‘Furthermore, the Apprentice Hairdressers from the Box Hill Institute of TAFE were kind enough to give up their day to shave our heads free of charge and did a fantastic job.’