Thornton Public's relieving principal Nathan Collins ditched his beloved beard this week by taking part in Shave for a Cure.

The shave took place on Wednesday at Mr Collins' home with his wife playing the role of barber.

Mr Collins admitted it certainly was a change, having had a beard for more than 10 years.

"It's incredibly different and weird," he said.

"My face is so cold, I didn't realise how much protection I was getting from my beard.

"When I walk into a room at home, my kids keep laughing at me."

Mr Collins was challenged to take part in the fundraising initiative after his year 4 class wrote him letters.

"4AS [the class] have been studying The Twits and wrote some very persuasive texts to me," he said.

"And obviously one of the main characters is Mr Twit and he has a big, disgusting beard.

"My beard is a big part of my identity, a lot of people who know me have never seen me without a beard so I decided if I was going to do then I wanted to attach it to my beard."

The relieving principal has smashed his goal of $1000 and already raised more than $6500.

Mr Collins said he was blown away by the generosity from the community,

"People have been so generous," he said.

"I'm incredibly humbled and appreciative of their generosity which is going to a good cause."

And the question on all our lips - will the beard be coming back?

"Absolutely," Mr Collins laughed.

"I'm absolutely going to get the beard. It's a part of my identity."

The World's Greatest Shave challenges individuals or groups to 'Shave For A Cure', by getting sponsored to shave, cut or colour their hair.

Funds raised for the Leukemia Foundation provide families with the special care they need following a diagnosis, including accommodation near lifesaving treatment at no cost, and access to specially trained blood cancer support workers.

To donate, visit https://secure.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?RegistrationID=820606.