Bridget and Aliyah cut hair for kids after growing it for three years
The sense of occasion was palpable in the hall at Telopea Park School on Friday afternoon, the children transfixed by the spectacle before them, despite the home-time bell being just minutes away.
As each long plait was shaved off the head of year six students Bridget Lehane and Aliyah Dwyer, their classmates clapped and cheered wildly.
The 11-year-olds had been growing their hair for quite a time. For three long years. And now their lopped locks were being donated to Hair With Heart, run by Variety, the Children's Charity, to make wigs for kids with medical conditions such as cancer or alopecia.
Bridget and Aliyah also raised more than $2500 for the charity, their classmates chipping in more than $320 with a crazy hair day on Friday.
Bridget initially decided to donate her hair as part of a challenge for scouts. She managed to convince Aliyah, her friend since preschool, to join her.
ACT Scouts Commissioner David Cossart was there to witness the generous act.
"I think it's just so mature of the kids to have thought of other people. They are role models for their peers,'' he said.
"They are a credit to themselves and their school.''
Suzie Walden from CIT carefully took off each plait, the girls showing off their lopped hair at the end.
"It feels weird,'' Aliyah said, of having short hair.
Their friends were soon treating them like rock stars, all wanting to have a pat of their new hairdos.
Both girls were glad they took the plunge.
"It is great to donate the hair to children who are sick or don't have any hair,'' Aliyah said.