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KINNIGAIT/CAPE DORSET
The dozen students showing up at principal Mike Soares' door last month were not there because they did something wrong; rather, they wanted to show the fake moustaches they made in support of his efforts participating in Movember.

Grade 11/12 student Ovilu Saila, left, and Christa Borden, a teacher at Peter Pitseolak School in Cape Dorset, show off the fake moustaches they wore in support of principal Mike Soares' efforts to raise money for "Movember." - photo courtesy of Peter Pitseolak School

Led by Christa Borden, a music, art and Grade 8/9 teacher at Peter Pitseolak School, a dozen Grade 11 and 12 girls "grew" fake moustaches to support the principal's efforts to raise money for prostate cancer awareness.

"Myself and some of the Grade 11 and Grade 12 girls decided to surprise our principal by painting on moustaches," she said. "Some people made their moustaches from felt or paper. Some of the girls coloured them. I painted on mine."

One of the girls at the principals' door was Piita Jaw, a Grade 11 student at the school.

"I just wanted to show Mike my support - and make fun of Mike," said the 15-year-old.

Soares said he was amazed and touched. He was participating in "Movember," which is a fundraising initiative where people grow moustaches and collect pledges to raise money to fight prostate cancer, for the second year in a row.

"Usually, when I see students at my door, it's because they've been sent to the office for disciplinary reasons," he said. "It was a pleasant surprise to see some kids come in to the door for good reasons."

Soares said he participates in Movember more for education purposes than solely to raise money. This year, he had to explain to many students why he was growing a moustache.

"Why are their moustaches all better than my sorry white cookie duster?" remarked Soares via e-mail. "Our students had fun while seizing a moment for learning and promoting an important cause."

Borden said the fake moustaches were more than just an exercise in art. Students wanted to be involved and show solidarity, she added.

"This is a very supportive school and the staff is very supportive of each other and of the things we like to take part in, and the things that are important to the men and are important to the women as well," she said. "I think the girls really enjoyed playing a little trick on Mike and surprising him with the moustaches."

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