Fifteen staff members, inspired by Year 4 teacher and former Tamworth Public School captain Jason Artuso, have had a hairy month to date.

Mr Artuso’s male colleagues have been growing facial hair, while the females have been moving and shaking their way through the month.

“Movember is all about raising awareness of men’s health issues, in particular testicular and prostate cancer, and about physical inactivity and mental health,” Mr Artuso said.

“The ladies have been moving around and getting involved in extra physical activity to show the important role exercise plays in optimum mental health.”

Because the Tamworth Public School community enjoys getting behind a good cause, students have been busy making fake moustaches to encourage the theme throughout the school.

“It’s really important that we’re raising kids to know it’s important to talk about health issues,” Mr Artuso said.

“The children can then encourage their dads, granddads, or other male role models in their lives to keep their health in check.”

Already $1000 has been raised and thanks to yesterday’s huge effort, with 

800-plus students giving a gold-coin donation as they walked and danced around the oval with their fake mos, that tally will move closer to $2000.

“We hope to reach $5000 by the end of the month,” Mr Artuso said.

Life on the other side of the classroom is pretty enjoyable for Mr Artuso, who commenced duties this year at his old alma mater after completing his studies last year at UNE, Armidale.