On average, men die 6 years earlier than women. 75% of all suicides are men. 1.3 million men are diagnosed with Prostate cancer each year, and testicular cancer affects tens of thousands more of our brothers, typically aged between 15-39 years old.
After being started by some Old Whitefriars Collegians, Movember has become an annual event world-wide involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.
In the month of May, the House of Edith Stein begins its House Charity initiative of ‘Movember in May’ when we collectively attempt to raise money for the Movember Foundation’s Australian programs. It is a collective effort across the board of all Stein Pastorals, with an incentive of a prize draw for all those who donate used to help the boys raise a little bit more. I thank the boys for their great fundraising efforts and the Stein families for their support this year.
The pinnacle of our efforts was the House Feast Day last Friday where the whole House – students and staff – gathered together for Mass and then a sit-down lunch in the Science and Technology function area.
The sense of community was high and the smiles were evenly spread on all the boys of Edith Stein, after eating the Subway and cookies provided. We enjoyed some time with mates and food, talking about life and school and, for the Year 12s, what colour suit everyone is wearing for the Formal on Friday! Our Vice-Captain, Tobias Kilkenny and I spoke to the boys about the impact of our fundraising during the lunch.
With a few weeks left of Term 2, I would like to wish everyone Stein student a successful and prosperous time working hard towards assessments and exams, leading up a well-deserved break. I hope that in the last few weeks, the Stein lads do not lose focus on what their goals are and keep building towards them, as the time left in this school year slowly diminishes.
Stay focused boys,
Zac Schafer
Edith Stein House Captain