Celebrating inclusion, visibility and belonging: Carey’s Equality and Pride Week

Carey students and staff came together once again to celebrate Equality and Pride Week 2026, a vibrant and meaningful series of events that highlighted the values of inclusion, belonging and respect across our Middle and Senior Schools.

Now in its ninth year, Equality and Pride Week continues to be an important expression of Carey's commitment to fostering a community where every individual feels seen, valued and supported. The week reflects the school's core values of Care, Respect and Growth, creating opportunities for students to learn from one another, engage in thoughtful discussion and celebrate diversity.

The week commenced on Tuesday with a celebration of visibility and allyship. Students gathered in the Carey Library to create colourful equality, inclusion and diversity badges and matching wristbands, providing a visible symbol of unity and support throughout the week. Newham House also hosted a popular cupcake bake sale, bringing students together while raising awareness and strengthening community spirit.

On Wednesday, students from across the Middle and Senior Schools participated in the annual Equality Q&A Roundtable Forum held in Carey’s UN Room. Facilitated by the Reach Foundation leadership group, the forum provided a respectful and engaging space for students to discuss important issues relating to school culture, community, LGBTIQA+ inclusion, and the growing influence of social media algorithms on young people's perspectives and experiences. The thoughtful and insightful discussions reflected the maturity, curiosity and empathy of our students, while reinforcing the importance of respectful dialogue and diverse perspectives.

The celebrations concluded on Friday with the whole school recognising Wear It Purple Day. Students and staff proudly wore purple as a visible sign of support for LGBTIQA+ young people and a commitment to creating safe, inclusive and welcoming environments for all.

Wear It Purple Day has become an important annual event across Victoria and Australia, with schools, universities, community organisations and workplaces joining together to show solidarity with LGBTIQA+ youth. The day promotes visibility, acceptance and belonging, sending a powerful message that all young people deserve to feel safe, valued and respected for who they are. For many students, seeing peers, teachers and community members participate provides a tangible reminder that they are supported by those around them. The collective act of wearing purple helps foster understanding, encourages allyship and demonstrates a shared commitment to inclusive communities.

Several community barbecues were also held across the school, raising funds for a range of charitable organisations while providing an opportunity for students and staff to come together in celebration.

Equality and Pride Week continues to be a valued tradition at Carey, empowering students to lead conversations, celebrate diversity and strengthen the inclusive culture that defines our school community. It remains an important symbol of a school community where every individual feels they belong.

We thank all students, staff, House groups and student leaders whose enthusiasm, leadership and commitment ensured another successful and memorable Equality and Pride Week.

Simon Carver
Head of Learning Area – Art, Design and Technologies
Carey Pride and Equality Alliance Co-ordinator