The male staff at both Monkton and Minster Primary Schools are growing moustaches this month as part of the Movember awareness campaign.
The Movember Foundation and campaign encourages men to be aware of family history of cancer and to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Using the moustache as the driving symbol of the movement, Movember focuses on the three key areas of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention.
Executive Headteacher Paul McCarthy, both Heads of School, Chris Marston and Richard Russell, and other members of staff are leading the way by shaving their current fluff and growing and sculpting the best moustaches they can.
Dads and grandads of children in school have also been encouraged to grow a moustache to spread the awareness even further.
Mr McCarthy, Executive Head for both Minster and Monkton, said: “Already, there is a buzz in both communities and it’s great we can do our bit to fundraise for such an important charity.”
Chris Marston, Head at Monkton, said: “As a school, we have a responsibility to help every member of our school community. If us doing something a little bit silly helps spread the message to men of keeping themselves healthily, physically and mentally, then growing a funny handle-bar moustache will have been worth it!
“Everyone knows someone who has either had their life changed by cancer or mental health so this campaign means a lot to so many people.”
As part of the school’s campaign, Richard Russell created a video for social media and provided details of how to donate and help. Mr Russell will also be adding updates throughout the month along with local charities who men can access should they need support.
Helen Ling, Business Manager for both schools, added: “We think it is important to share our positive mental health ethos with the whole community.
“By involving dads, grandads, uncles and other male family members and friends in our Movember campaign we are highlighting the mental health issues men may experience and raising awareness with the younger generation so they can look after their own mental health and that of their peers as they grow up.”
At the end of the month, children will be able to judge who has grown the best moustache. The children will also be treated to a Movember day on the last day of November, where staff and dads can choose to shave their moustache or keep nurturing it. Children can also come to school that day with a moustache of their own, should they want to.
It’s good to know that it’s only the male staff growing moustaches.
Having attend Minster as a kid, I can assure you they are not the only ones capable of growing one.