At St. Francis High School, the name we carry is more than just a title—it’s a calling. The name “Francis” has always reminded us of simplicity, compassion, peace, and care for the poor, just as Saint Francis of Assisi lived centuries ago. But in our own lifetime, we had the gift of witnessing someone who embodied that same spirit: Pope Francis.

Today, as we reflect on his passing, we do so not only as members of the Catholic community but as students and staff of a school that shares his name—a name that Pope Francis honored with his life.

When Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the first pope to ever choose the name “Francis,” it was a powerful message to the world. He chose the name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, signaling a papacy rooted in humility, mercy, and love for the most vulnerable. These are the very values we strive to live by here at St. Francis High School.

Pope Francis showed us that greatness lies in simplicity. Whether he was riding in a small car, embracing the poor, or speaking out for the environment, his actions spoke louder than words. His life was a reflection of the Gospel—a reminder that faith must always be lived through love.

At St. Francis High, we are proud to carry the name “Francis” not just as a legacy of the past, but as a living mission. In our classrooms, in our acts of service, in the way we treat one another—we are called to walk in the footsteps of both Saint Francis and Pope Francis.

His passing leaves a deep void in the heart of the Church, but his spirit lives on. In our school halls, in our prayers, in every effort we make to be peacemakers and caretakers of creation, we honor him.

May we continue to grow into the kind of people Pope Francis believed young people could become—people of hope, courage, and compassion. And may we always remember that bearing the name "Francis" is not just about where we go to school, but about who we choose to become.

"Pope Francis made history in 2013 when he was elected the 266th pope of the Catholic Church. What made his election truly historic was that he became the first pope from the Americas—specifically from Argentina in South America.

Before Pope Francis, all popes had come from Europe, mostly Italy. But the cardinals of the Church, gathered in a conclave at the Vatican, chose someone different. They saw in Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio a man of deep faith, humility, and a strong connection to the people—especially the poor.

His background as a Jesuit priest who lived simply and served in one of the world’s largest and most diverse Catholic communities helped him stand out. When elected, he chose the name Francis, after Saint Francis of Assisi, symbolizing his mission of peace, humility, and care for creation.

With that, Pope Francis became not only the first American pope, but also the first Jesuit pope, and the first pope to choose the name Francis—a man of many “firsts,” whose leadership has touched hearts around the world."

Rest in peace, Pope Francis.Thank you for showing the world what it truly means to live a life of faith, service, and love.

As the students of St. Francis embark on their Term 1 examinations for the academic year 2025, the staff would like to take a moment to extend their warmest wishes and support to each and every one of them.

This examination period is an important milestone in the academic journey, and the faculty acknowledges the hard work, discipline, and dedication that all students have shown in preparing for these assessments. The staff encourages students to stay calm, focused, and confident in their abilities, knowing that they are well-prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.

“You have all put in the effort, and now it is time to trust in your knowledge,” said Principal Adrian. “Approach each question with confidence, and remember that you are capable of achieving great things.”

In addition, students are reminded to take care of their well-being during this busy time. Regular breaks, staying hydrated, and maintaining a positive mindset are key to ensuring success.

On behalf of the entire St. Francis staff, we wish all students the best of luck as they navigate this exam season. We are confident in your abilities and look forward to celebrating your achievements in the near future.

..... Tekeraoi riki ! ............

 

These photos showcase our Form 4 TVET class during their Business Studies presentations, part of the new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curriculum.

This engaging module had students carry out hands-on research by visiting various local entities—including stores, vendors, companies, clubs, and other businesses around Kiritimati Island. The information gathered during these visits formed the basis of their Internal Assessment presentations.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the businesses and organizations who opened their doors to our students and supported their learning journey. Your contributions helped bring their studies to life and gave them a clearer understanding of how real businesses operate.

Special appreciation goes to our dedicated Business Studies teachers for coordinating this enriching experience. Through this activity, our students gained valuable exposure, confidence, and insight into the real-world business landscape. 

Go Business Studies Class Go !

🎤 Video Speaker: Ms. Teuota Tekakaata during a feedback presentation.

Here’s a photo of the newly completed toilet block and handwashing station, built by this hardworking team of men and women. Huge thanks to these dedicated contractors for working alongside WASH to meet the needs of our students. This project was proudly funded by WASH. 

Although construction is complete, the toilets are not open for use yet. Keep an eye out for the official opening announcement

Cheers !

"Congratulations to our 1st Place Winners of the Consumer Rights Awareness Test: Junika Temaritaake (Form 4A), Raiti Nawaia (Form 5C), and Ekeata Maretia (Form 6Sci)! The competition was proudly organized and sponsored by the Commerce Department, Kiritimati Island." Thank you teachers for the great effort !

Mission accomplished- Assisi community working on trenching for new staff house. E raba te bonnano ao team work. 

Considering the hardworking and motivating members of these members, encouraging hygienic and enhancing wellbeing to everyone in our school community. Kam rabwa  ao are ieta nanomi! 

Thanks to Catechist Terootika Tieraata and to his team from Ueen Te Rootario Sector in continuing their project of filling up sand and lays more concrete bricks to the building. The school as a whole is very proud of the determination and courage you have shown as you reach this stage under your constructive plan despite te kakumekume n ami makoro ao iaan batami. Kam bati n rabwa ao are ieta ami makuri ma korakorami.AMATEUR!

This is one of the implementation to the new curriculum of the ministry of education. Our teacher Atarake Rootan and his students shows their ability that they can do/ make out of their best to carryout their learning progress through pratical and hand on hand acitivity to archive their learning objectives. Well Done Collegues !

The project they have made is "Wood Toothbrush  Holder" Made of Wood and timber, creatively from these students under the guidaince of their talented teacher. Cheers!

This is how they made their product 

The school kick off assessment 1 on week 6 and it still on till the end of the week.This is Form 4 B during their Kiribati Paper. Everyone looks serious in doing the very best of grabbing the highest mark. All best studs!

We are grateful to have our most beautiful Kimberly, (Miss Kiribati 2024) visiting our school today. Her presence in the midst of both students and staff brings joy and proud. Miss Kiribati visitation also empowers the life of young girls in our school, encouraging them to be leaders in the future. 

A very vibrant Photo day, moving everyone to smile and make memory for the month of March 2025. Cheers

School family welcoming feast to our new Chaplain Tirikiai and his wife, Karenga, Tebwebwe and Tabunga.

A big-fat shout-out to St. Francis staff led by Chaplain Tirikai and Maereiti for digging a trench for electric wire to run underground from the main box (Baoki ni Iti) to the new staff house.

A new project (house construction), proudly sponsored by Itoi-ni-Ngaina Kiritimati Island.

Under the "blazing sun" and the heat is a "searing knife" to those men is nothing but to accomplish their target with full energy and determination. Bravo gentlemen, halfway to go.

We never forget our cookers behind the scene for a delicious meal to fuel the work. A massive thank you, kam bati n raba.

Mr. Franco Basile a professor of Chemistry at the University of Wyoming brought some school supplies to the school. He said St. Francis of Assisi is his patron name "Franco". The school will share this kind heart donation to students who need it the most. Thank you Mr. Basile. 

"It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it." Words can't express how much we appreciate your kind heart. 

Two USA tourists visited the school today and kindly donated some stationaries and other items. Their visit was appreciated by the whole community. These items will indeed help the school in areas where needed. Many thanks to you Rich & Katy Wilkens and Brian & Kay Hopkins. Wish you all the best while exploring the goodness of Christmas Island. God Bless

A total amount of $1,148.80 was raised during the last day of school on 16^th of August this year.  Three to four teachers with no forms joined with Form Teachers of the 8 classes of Forms 4,5 and 6 to raise funds towards a school truck. Form 5B with Moanibou Ngaruenga, their form teacher, raised the highest sum of money and will be given a reward of $100.00. More details as follow:

Form 4A - $159.50

Form 4B - $159.50

Form 4C - $110.50

Form 5A - $215.00

Form 5B - $240.20

Form 5C - $131.00

Form 6S - $65

Form 6A&C - $68.10

Total - $1148.80

Some highlights and positive takeaways of the fun day was exposure of many students to entrepreneurship. Some brave Form 4A girls picked up business skills through serving a $5.00 meal in foils and reached out to secure their customers in the nearby clinic and men working on the construction of new school toilets near the Japanese funded classroom block. Ritia and class gathering under the Form 5 block verandah secured customers by visiting stalls selling ice-cream to staff and students who did not serve this product. They also made some earnings from their PA system by charging everybody who wished to make any announcement and play karaoke. Form 4B teachers, Ueanterube and Alice were doing car and motor-bike wash.  Principal Adrian and team brought a computer game to a classroom and they started calling customers walking by their classroom. Sister Lucy and Kaburoro whose stall was under the breadfruit tree far from everybody also did some good advertising by informing the crowd that they had plenty delicious food to sell. What a closing of Term 2! Everybody was ’money minded' as they all wished to raise the highest. 

Principal expressed gratitude to all staff and students because all classes surpassed the minimum target of $50.00. The half fun day was well enjoyed by everybody. Previous fundraisings held at Ronton secured more funds but due to heavy schedules of staff, the venue for fundraising remained in school bounds. Like all schools, end of term is time for report entry which deadline has been scheduled to 20^th of August during vacation week.   

St.Francis High School received a total prize of $1673.00 for its great achievement in the following competitions during the 45th Independence celebrations. The following were the competitions that it entered and judged against its fellow senior secondary schools on the island :   

Inter-school sports (intermediate and senior division) - 1st place  - $650.00

March at Independence Parade:  1st place (competed only with LPSSS, IMHS, KAJSS)   - $500

Academic Quiz - $523.00

Form 5 English Speech and Quiz:  2nd Place (2 schools tie at 1st place) 

Form 4 Kiribati Speech and Quiz:  1st place (3 schools tie including St.Francis) 

As an observer for the school e-newsletter, I commend the performance of our academic team because they were the only school whose participants always said something with confidence before they answered in English. Even Aritaake from Form 5C received the Kiribati question but she responded with confidence in English saying............."the answer to this question is" ...and she gave the correct letter. Wow! Her response landed me over the moon!  

Our school administration office is well-decorated with your shields.   

Your e-newsletter is more than proud of your confidence and let's keep it up that way dear students. Go the extra mile...You can do it!     

 

Exams kick start today on 8^th August 2024 and the school compound is dead silent as everybody is occupied attempting to answer their question papers in their assigned rooms.  To allow comfort with space and privacy, all classes are using their homerooms for their exam from today until next Thursday 15th August when exams are to end. During the break, everybody is encouraged to wait within the school compound but far from the classrooms. Many students are waiting in the Mwaneaba and under the shade of te Kanawa/ te Bero trees before their afternoon papers commence.  The weather today is at 32 degrees Celsius. It’s quite warm and sometimes the students find the tree shades and the Poverello mwaneaba as ideal waiting sites because they are cool.

 

Teachers’ deadline for report entry is on the 20^th of August. The holiday program has also been set for a two-day workshop on the school’s vision and mission formulation as the school’s way forward to fulfil its plans in establishing its Form 7 in the coming year. The principal and deputy will at the same time carry out the Staff Performance Appraisal (SPA) which the School Board will peruse during its next meeting. On Friday 16^th August, the school will close with a “fun fundraising day” by form with their form teachers and assigned staff. A minimum target of $50.00 is to be raised by each class. The highest-class fundraiser, however, will be awarded a prize by the school. These raised funds will go towards the cost of a truck which is a great need for the school. Students and staff are encouraged to bring their picnic lunch on that day to mark the end of the term. 

Happening on Fri 26th July 2024 at 2pm - A School-Based WASH Quiz @ St. Francis High School in honour of the Kiritimati WASH Day 2024.

To promote and preserve hygienic, safe water and better sanitation in our school community, many thanks to Linnix WASH officials for organising and generously sponsoring this quiz where each form has to compete for a prize.

In general, the quiz's major goal is literally to raise hygienic awareness in all areas. Ko raba te WASH, bravo participants ao kam raba staff for your support.