Last week was Pink Ribbon Week with the Non Nobis Solum Prefects selling pink ribbons to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Research. At Friday’s assembly, Kate Carlyle who is currently working with McGrath Foundation to raise funds for research, but has volunteered and worked at Cancer Council doing support work for cancer survivors, spoke about her cancer journey. Kate was working as News Director at Hot Tomato when she was diagnosed at age 31 with breast cancer. She found the small pea-sized lump one morning in the shower. She talked to the girls about knowing their own bodies, of doing regular checks, about being breast aware: looking for changes in size, shape, colour, nipple, and feeling for lumps, and getting everything checked out by your GP if you are concerned. Kate spoke about her choice to have a double mastectomy after her diagnosis as it gave her just a 2% chance of the cancer returning. It seemed quite timely for her to be speaking on this topic with Angelina Jolie making the news last week with her double mastectomy. The cancer has returned for Kate and she talked about finding the positives in all aspects of life and taking each day as a blessing.

The Non Nobis Solum Prefects are organising a gathering as part of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in aid of cancer research, in the Reeves Courtyard on Thursday this week. This event was a favourite of Miss Bev Philben, so all girls are encouraged to come to Reeves for their morning tea as a way to honour her. There will be plenty of tables and chairs, as well as music to enjoy. To help raise funds, the Non Nobis Solum prefects have also organized a decorate-your-own cupcake sale. Students can purchase a cupcake for $1, plus 50 cents for one topping or 3 toppings for $1, with the choice of mini M&Ms, gummi bears, sour worms, crushed Oreos or mini marshmallows. All proceeds will be donated to this term’s focus charity, The National Breast Cancer Foundation. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

With Test Block commencing at the end of Week 7 for Years 11 and 12 and in Week 8 for Year 10, girls should be starting to focus on revision in addition to completing their homework. Girls should be proactive in their choices regarding their school work, going over lesson notes, seeking clarification from their teachers if unsure, as well as attending tutorials. Tutorials are available in most subjects and teachers are also available to speak with students at recess and lunchtime if clashes in activities prevent girls from attending rostered tutorials. The Tutorial roster can be found in the Senior School page of the website. In addition, students should ensure that they are prepared for this intense period by managing their time carefully. They should make time to relax, especially by incorporating gentle exercise into their routines. Eating healthy meals and snacks will help the girls’ brains to perform at their best. Similarly, having eight hours of sleep each night will help them to keep clear minds as they complete assessment. In order to have a restful night’s sleep, mobile phones should not be with them in their bedrooms unless they are switched off.