Act Justly

By Andy Callow (Principal)

“This is what God requires of you – to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God”

Written by the Old Testament Prophet Micah, this statement has been challenging people for thousands of years.

When we chose the core six action words, “Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly” as our school motto we knew we were setting the bar very high!  Any community that aspires to live out these words needs to constantly monitor its progress in making rhetoric reality:  i.e. what does “Act Justly” look like in the day to day?

When students are surveyed as to what they value most in teachers, one of the top rated qualities is invariably fairness.  The opposite is also true – the easiest way to inflame anger between people is when there is perceived injustice. For classroom teachers there is the continual challenge of treating students fairly, whether that be in regard to classroom behaviour issues, academic assessment or when school rules are broken out in the playground.

Students face many situations where they can choose to behave justly or not.  This includes their interactions with their peer group, school staff members, and their parents.  All members of the community are under the same imperative to do what is right.

When complex issues are referred on to Heads of School, their biggest challenge is usually getting a clear picture of what actually happened, and then to arbitrate on the consequences so that these are seen to be fair to all involved.  Sometimes it is just not possible to satisfy all the aggrieved parties, but the guiding principle has to be what is just and right and fair.

The School Leadership, answers to God, as to whether they administer the school fairly. Are staff paid appropriately, and are they supported in their roles and treated with respect?  In regard to offers of employment of new staff; promotions and entitlements - are these dealt with transparently and honestly?  Are school resources managed well, and is the school a good corporate citizen in terms of paying its debts and meeting other obligations?

Parents have a right to be treated justly.  This includes how the school manages waiting lists and potential enrolments; fees and other monies; appropriate reporting and communication and, of course, dispute resolution. 

A potentially fraught area is dealing with complaints directed against staff members by parents or students.  The challenge is always to try to find a solution to the problem that is just and right and fair, and upholds the dignity of all involved.  Sometimes this is impossible to achieve, but the aim should always be to act justly.

Of great importance in a school that seeks to honour a God of faithfulness and justice is to actively speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. 

This includes lobbying on behalf of students with special needs that they be treated fairly and are supported according to their needs.  It also means looking out for others within our community who are struggling, as well as vulnerable members of the broader community.  Our students should be educated regarding the issues faced by the wider world with its stark needs and inequalities and encouraged to respond appropriately and, hopefully, inspire them to want to make a difference in the way they live.

In so many, to act justly is a constant challenge to all of us,  but there is a bigger problem.  Acting justly by only adhering to the “letter of the law” can be cold and judgemental to all of us who are fallible and imperfect.

We need more than justice.  We hunger for forgiveness and grace.  I’m glad that Micah didn’t stop there!                                                

 … (To be continued)