Friday’s celebration raised about $14,000 – nearly two-thirds of the combined total of the previous four years – and saw 39 pupils lose their hair for charity.

Teacher Jane Hudson said the tradition began five years ago after a pupil’s mother was diagnosed with cancer.

‘‘It’s something that every year the kids will come and say ‘we’re doing it this year Ms Hudson, we’re doing it this year’ and I just can’t say no.

‘‘It’s just growing bigger and bigger every year and ... the Trevallyn community just get behind it, they’re so supportive.’’

Ms Hudson said passion for the cause had been strong throughout the school, with more than 300 bandannas sold over the week and pupils as young as grade 1 having their head shaved.

‘‘Predominantly, it was just a grade 5 and 6 thing and then kids keep coming up to me and saying ‘can I do it?’ and again I can’t say no.

‘‘All the girls’ hair is being sent to Pantene Beautiful Lengths and they make wigs from the hair for cancer patients.’’

Grade six pupil Isabella McRobbie raised more than $1000 and sacrificed years of growing her hair for the cause.

‘‘Some of my mum’s hockey friends, they got behind me and they donated lots of money. It’s an amazing cause and I’m really glad I did it,’’ she said.