Scopus Principal shaves for a good cause

Mount Scopus Memorial College continues to honour a thirty-year legacy and remains dedicated to creating a meaningful impact.

The story began in 1996, when the community was devastated by the loss of Year 9 student, Simon Bergman to cancer. At the time, current Principal Dan Sztrajt was a student at the school and Simon’s best friend.

“A decision was made then that we wanted to remember Simon in some sort of beautiful way at the school – he was such an incredible student. He was lively, creative, intelligent and we wanted a way of making sure that his memory would continue,” said Sztrajt.

The charity Scopus chose to raise money for was Canteen, as part of the ‘Bandana Day’ campaign.

Just two years after Simon passed, then principal Hilton Rubin agreed to shave his hair, if the students raised $5000. At the 11th hour, Simon’s father Fred made the last donation that tipped it over the mark.

“Today, I have taken inspiration from Hilton Rubin, my principal, to now do the same for the students and show them I’m brave and ready to do it and shave my hair, if they raised $5,000 and we have far exceeded that already!” said Sztrajt.

As part of the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave campaign and in honour of Simon, the school, together with Fred and Hilton came together to witness the moment principal Dan Sztrajt and a number of students shaved their hair.

“I am so happy to be here. Kol Hakavod to the school for doing this,” said an emotional Fred. Fred, Hilton and a number of students had the honour of taking the clippers to Sztrajt’s hair.

“It’s not everyday you get to shave your principal’s hair!” said one student. The community’s effort has seen well over $7,000 donated to the cause.