Stephen Ivey on Equity

Stephen is the Principal at Highgate Primary School, located in Perth’s inner north. This is his thoughts on Equity*:

In my school there are over 900 students. The students represent 70 nationalities, there are 54 different languages spoken, we have two women’s shelters in our catchment area, and we have about 80 students who attend our Intensive English Centre. We have millionaires through to families living in cars. Lots of room for inequities. That is why notions of equity take up lots of my time and thoughts.

Does the kid who has just enrolled, escaping from domestic violence, and living temporarily in the refuge cause me some equity thoughts? You bet.

Does the child who just arrived in Perth, who can’t speak more than three words of English, currently enrolling in our Intensive English Centre cause me some equity thoughts? You bet.

Does the student whose school attendance has dropped below 40% due to family dynamics cause me some equity thoughts? You bet.

I have concerns about equity for nearly every student and family. Life is messy. You do you. Let me do me. That at least feels fair and equitable.

* This piece was first published in our fifth journal, Equity. 100% of all revenue generated through journal sales will be distributed to First Nations community projects through TheFulcrum.Fund. ⁠Copies can be purchased here .