General News
5 December, 2025
Hats for Harry!
BRAUER College students have rallied around one of their favourite teachers this week to promote the importance of skin protection – and cancer prevention.
A special ‘Hats for Harry’ day was organised by year nine captains including student Reese Jansen who, after learning teacher Harry Coffey had undergone treatment for Melanoma, wanted to raise awareness of the importance of skin protection.
“Mr Coffey is very popular at school, with both students and staff, and he was also keen to spread the sun smart message,” Reese said.
“So we came up with a Hats for Harry’ day to help spread the message and after seeing so many students wearing hats on Tuesday, I’m keen to see hat wearing made compulsory for all students while they’re outdoors from next year.”
When not teaching at Brauer College, Mr Coffy also spends time as a lifeguard – spending a lot of time out in the sun through his love of surfing and the beach.
“I have always taken protecting my skin seriously and never imagined this (Melanoma diagnosis) would happen to me,” he said.
“I protect myself very well and am always smothered in sunscreen and Zinc. This diagnosis was frightening and I wanted something positive to come out of it.
“It was the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and educate the community about the dangers of the sun while also gathering some funds for the amazing work of the Cancer Council.”
And with summer fast approaching, Harry and Reese felt this was an ideal time to highlight the importance of getting regular skin checks and making notes of changes to any moles or other spots on your body.
“We can certainly all enjoy summer and some fun outdoors but we need to remember the importance of a hat and sunscreen,” Reese said.
A large number of students enjoyed the chance to be fun and creative with their hats on Tuesday – and then spent time in the afternoon watching Mr Coffey lose his locks.
“Mr McFadden (also on staff) brought out the clippers and gave Mr Coffey a pretty close shave; it was a lot of fun and as of last Tuesday night we raised almost $1600 for the Cancer Council which is amazing.”
