IT WILL be hard to miss Willow Tree Public School principal John Ireland in the next few weeks.
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He is now sporting a head of bright green hair after telling his students that if they raised enough for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser, he would dye his hair.
In just two weeks, 37 students raised $590 and on Friday their principal honoured his promise, with the help of Willow Tree hairdresser Cate Hewett.
“They held me accountable,” Mr Ireland laughed.
“But, really, it makes me very proud, because it’s a remarkable achievement by both the stud-ents and the community.”
He said the school supported a variety of different fundraising causes, which was a valuable lesson for students.
“It’s teaching the kids that it’s wonderful to give back, and to give to those less fortunate – it’s a great message,” Mr Ireland said.
There’ll be no hiding his green locks either, the principal taking away a state league basketball side this weekend, and a small schools conference scheduled for next week.
But, that’s okay, he says, because dyeing his hair sends another important message to his young charges.
“It says to them it’s okay to take risks, to step outside your comfort zone and a be a little bit different.”
