On average, men die six 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.
Every year, in the month of May, students from the Edith Stein House family do our part to change the face of men’s health, through our support of the worldwide foundation Movember.
This year, we encouraged all boys to do that little something extra, whether that was doing chores at home for change, or giving up pocket money or canteen money, to help this organisation to brighten the future of men’s health.
The Stein students enjoyed sharing Mass and then lunch together on 21 May – our Stein House Feast Day. The boys gathered in their Pastoral Groups for Mass, led by Fr Paul, and then with their friends in the Science and Tech function room. There was a great sense of camaraderie present at these occasions.
I’d like to particularly thank our Feast Day guest speaker, Movember representative Jake Lambert, on behalf of our House, for talking to us about this Foundation at the Feast Day lunch. It meant a lot to us to have someone from Movember take the time to educate us on this worthy cause in person. I’d also like to thank Jake for the Movember face masks he later provided for the entire House. I have noticed many of these masks being worn around the school over the last few weeks, by students and staff alike, which has been great to see, as it helps to promote the cause to the wider Whitefriars and local community.
Finally, thank you to everyone who has donated their money to our annual fundraiser. The draw has not been finalised, due to lockdowns and exams, but the winner will take home a signed West Coast footy jumper, arranged by Xavier O’Neill (Edith Stein House 2019 and current West Coast player), or, as 2nd prize, a Sherrin match footy.
I’d like to wish everyone a relaxing, well-deserved holidays, surrounded by family and friends – hopefully many of you have a chance to get away for a few days, unencumbered by lockdowns and travel restrictions!
Liam Downie
Edith Stein House Captain 2021
