• News

  • News

            • Happy 7th Priestly Ordination Annivesary Fr. Tara-Jake Takakia

            • Banaan te reirei moa man ara Board directors, taan reirei, taani makuri, ataei, kaaro, tiibu, guardians ao te whole school community ni katekeraoi nakon ara tama ae karineaki ae Fr. Tara-jake ni koron ana 7th n tauan nakoana ni Berebitoro. 

              On Monday 17th June 2024, are e a koro iai ana 7th n ririki n taua nakoana ba te berebitero (Priest's Sipritual Journey) Fr. Tara-Jake ao ni manga makena (signifies another year of devoted service ) rakan ana ririki ba ana tabonibai te Uea. 

              Happy 7th Annivesary Fr. Tarajake Takakia

              May God abundantly bless you in your priestly ministry. Ametur!

               

            • School Based Assessment (SBA) at SFHS @ Week 6 Term 2

            • A mixed group of Forms 4, 5 and 6 students during one of the tutorial sessions this term. 

               

              A four day SBA and two important tests on Te Ribana numeracy and literacy were convened this week. The former was timetable based therefore each teacher looked after his / her own class assessment. The latter was carried out on Monday 16th June and Wednesday 18th June at Period 6. The main topics covered are the basics of both subjects as we still have a number of students needing assistance on these. There is a total of 5 groups who are looked after by 4 teachers in one classroom. Every once a week the Heads of Departments, Mr Ueanterube Biriro (Maths) and Ms Maere Tekanene (English) prepare the teachers a day before these tutorial sessions.  

              The school looks forward to seeing the results of this first assessment of Te Ribana as it is believed that this will boost improved results across the curriculum areas. Since introduction of this current government’s subsidy to students whose results fall below 50% from Junior Secondary Schools, St Francis High School has received a higher percentage (more than 50%) of students from the Line Islands falling within this category. The school finds it very challenging given the limited resources it has but tries all it can to find ways to address this wide gap. This SBA will end by this Thursday 20th June as the school will close for a public holiday on Friday 21st June. Teachers will of course continue work doing their marking which the Principal, Mr Adrian Merake, reminds all to be competed on the deadline given.

               

            • Renewal of Vows at St. Francis for Missionaries Of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC) Sisters

            • On 7th June 2024, the school was honored and grateful to witness an important milestone in the lives of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, renewal of their vows to their missionary vocation last Friday at Poverello mwaneaba. The fours nuns, Sr. Lucy Betero (Deputy Principal), Sr Totoua Ienikabo (Former teacher) and their two PNG colleagues humbly renewed their vows in celebration of their patron’s anniversary and to keep up with their missionary vocation to the best they could.

              Fr. Tarajake Takakia and Deacon Teakai Raweaitina were leading this special mass at Poverello mwaneaba. It was a touching and special moment for all who gathered in celebration of this event. It was the first time the students witness an event of high significance to the school community. This can be an eye-opening memory for female students aspiring to be missionaries in future. Both Sr. Lucy Betero and Sr. Totoua Ienikabo had their missionary training in Papua New Guinea.

              The special mass received special guests from Tabwakea Village Catholic groups who also assisted in contributing some trays of food towards the small function that followed at the end in the mwaneaba. Staff also brought their foods to share during the gathering and MC of the day Mr Kaburoro Kautabea organized a last minute but most entertaining singing competition between two groups of teachers. The Sisters expressed a heartfelt gratitude to all who had made the day extra special.

            • Anganano ao bwaai n tutuaraoi nakon St. Francis Atheletics Squad imain te Inter-School 2024

            • Ana anganano Teoti & Teneti
              Kam raba ao e neboaki ieta ami tituaraoi
              Teribwa and Betty anganano
              E neboaki ieta ami bai n tituaraoi nakoia ara ataei

              Te kaitau ae moan te bati nakoia naake a tia n roko n anga aia buoka ba buokani mauiia ara ataei (atheletics) squad ake a boarding ni katauraoi imain te bokakano Inter-school are e na karaoaki 10th July 2024. Buoka aikai a na buoka aron kanaia ma nimaia ara ataei inanon te maen ae 3 nakon 4 wiiki. Ti teimatoa ni butimaai anganano ao bwaai tutuaraoi ao ti na teimatoa ni kakatoka mwiina n ara newsletter iaon ana website/webpage ikai. Are ieta te anganano aika kakukurei man itiaki ao te Uea te tia kabooi mwiin bwaai n tutuaraoi. Are ieta!!!

              Aikai anganao ke buoka ake atia n roko inanoni baira

              1) Teoti & Nei Teneti

              5 Ctns chow noodle

              5 Ctns super noodle

              5 buckets of cracker

              1 bag of sugar

              2 Ctns luncheon meat pork

              3 bags of rice

              2 Ctns of Taman (oil)

              3 Ctns of Taman (tomato)

              1 Ctn sirjus

              2) School Board Chairman Tirikan Merake and spouse (Atantonga Tirikan)

              1 bucket of cracker

              3) School Chaplain Barekiau and wife

              1 bucket of crackers and 1 bag of rice

              4) Maere Tekanene (SFHS teacher) and spouse (Dr. Tiaon Tekanene) 

              1 bucket of crackers and Awatai fish

              5) Sr. Lucy Betero (School Deputy Principal)

              1 bag of sugar

              6) Akato Tabwaru (Ex-St. Francis) and spouse

              $20

              7) Teribwa and Betty

              2 Ctns taman (oil)

              1 Ctn taman (Tomato)

              3 bags of rice

              8) School board director Karenga and spouse (Simon)

              $100

              9) Archie and Teraiman (Santer Store)

              1 bag of rice

              1 Ctn of noodles

              1 Ctn of Chicken cut

              1 Ctn of Milo

              10) Erenoa (SFHS teacher) & Spouse

              $50

              11) Kaburoro (SFHS teacher)

              $20

              12) Lafue (SFHS teacher) & Spouse

              $50

              1 x truck of firewood

              2 x pkg Chicken Cut

              13) Director Beriki & Spouse

              $100

              14) Mr Jacob Teem & Spouse

              $2000

              40 Sandals for SFHS Parade March Contestants

              15) St. Teresia n Iesu te Teei Parish Groups

              - St. Xtopher (London) - $150

              - St. Tamiano (Molokai, London) - a) 1 bucket of crackers, b) 6 soy sauce, c) 4 bags of rice, d) 2 pkt milo, e) 2 tomato soup, f) 2 pkt sausage, g) 2 Mix vegetables, h) 4 taman, i) 1 ctn noodle (mama), j) 1 bucket of cracker

              - Kaibangaki group (Tabwakea)  - 2 bags of rice, 1 bag of suger.

              - St. Betero (Tabwakea) - a) $50, b) 1 baketi ni were

              -Maria Uen te Rotario (Tabwakea) - $200

              16) Itaaka (Policeman) & Ritia (SFHS teacher)

              2 x Bomangko Ox-n-palm

            • PTA AND INTRODUCING PARENTS TO EDUPAGE

            • PTA 2024 is Established 

              St Francis PTA for 2024 was finally established on 31st May  after a meeting of staff and parents convened at the school hall. At the start of the PTA at 11 in the morning more than 20 parents were present. Representation is mostly by village inclusive of some church representatives given we have some students from other religions.  The school is hopeful to achieve more improvement required at the school through this volunatary PTA. The principal, Adrian Merake, informed the parents that it will not keep them over occupied as it will meet twice a term. The next step is to convene a proper PTA with selected staff.  Parents turnout was better than previous years as the school met the hire costs for two trucks, one from Banana and the other from Ronton to St Francis High School. Towards lunch hour the school received more than 60 parents and guardians. More details of the PTA list of members will be posted shortly.  

               

              Parents Introduced Use of St. Francis High School Edupage

              Parents were introduced to use of Edupage, a new software, which the school has opened in order to engage parents on a regular basis to assist monitor their own children’s attendance to school plus other useful information such as their grades, discipline and others. Many parents took interest to use the program but some did not bring their mobiles to the meeting. Principal reminded that they can return with their mobiles anytime to have them installed. Principal, Adrian Merake, and Edupage working team Mr Ueanterube Biriroo (HOD Maths Department) and Mr Raubane Tamango (Computer & English Teacher) are the staff responsible for this important role. 

              The main purpose of introducing this Edupage for the school is to engage parents to participate in helping their children be on the right track at school.  The school is hopeful to have improved progress by being inclusive to parents in what’s going on at the school. Those who brought mobile phones with them have begun use of Edupage. These parents will know what happens to their children on a daily basis. 

               

            • Welcoming Fr. Kanoua Iotebwa and Deacon Tekaei Raweaitina

            • LAUNCHING OUR NEWSLETTER TEAM with two Form 6 (Year 12) students taking a turn doing an interview with our guests and exploring more news collection in future. More students from this year group will do the same in the upcoming weeks. Stay In Tune. 

              On Friday 24th of May, the school was privileged and grateful to welcome important guests to the school who conducted our school mass at Period 6.  They are Fr.Kanoua Iotebwa and Deacon Tekaei. Raweaitina. Fr Kanoua Iotebwa was leading the mass and assisted by Deacon Tekaei Raweaitina. The former is not new to St Francis High School as he had assisted in the school some years back as Religious Education teacher. For Deacon Tekaei Raweaitina, this is his first visit to Kiritimati island.

              Fr Kanoua Iotebwa born on 7th April 1987, comes from Butaritari, home island to both his father and mother. He completed his primary school years on Butaritari island and then went to do his secondary school education at King George 5th and Elaine Bernacchi School. After completing his secondary school education he decided to become a priest. He has done very well in his seminary education at the Pacific Regional Seminary in Suva resulting in his appointment as a Liturgical Coordinator of the seminary. It has been a great privilege to have him as our visitor since St Francis is also aspiring to see more of its students serve in similar vocation in future. When asked on what his message to leave with our students Fr Kanoua willingly left us this important message :

              “Do what you are expected to do at all times in school and elsewhere. Respect school rules at all times. When I was young, I have always tried my best to abide by choosing to do right at all times.”

              Deacon Tekaei Raweaitina was born on 6th November 1997 and his father is from Aranuka and Tamana while his mother is from Onotoa and Tabiteuea.  He had his primary education in South Tarawa and was one of the pioneers joining the newly opened Junior Secondary Schools from 2001 to 2003 at JSS TUC 1 located in Bikenibeu West.  He later completed his senior secondary education at King George 5th and Elaine Bernacchi School from 2004 to 2006. In 2007 he did his Form 7 at St Patrick in Betio. He became Deacon on 10th May 2024 and his ordination will soon to take place on the island of Onotoa in a few months time.

              His piece of advice to all of us as students is :

               “Open your hearts to the Lord’s calling and second, if the school calls you to serve, do not be afraid to respond to offer that service”.                            

              The school staff had a little welcome gathering at Poverello Mwaneaba after mass on Friday to honor their visit and time to the school. Fr Kanoua Iotebwa is currently in Fanning visiting his parents and returning to Suva very soon and Deacon Tekaei Raweaitina has returned to Tarawa last Monday 27th May. 

               

              The First New Dispenser Ever at St.Francis High School - Appreciation to all MOE Paid Teachers.  

              Gratitude goes to Sister Lucy Betero for initiating the idea of purchasing the new water dispenser for staff at St.Francis High School. Being a mission school struggling with financial means at times, Sr Lucy Betero, Deputy Principal, has the full support of all MOE paid staff contributing $50.00 per head towards this $400.00 plus water dispenser. 

              Mission schools like us do not always get a full payment of our school fees subsidy like government schools in Term One so living within our means is also our priority. This new water dispenser was blessed to have the first hands of our important visitors, Fr Kanoua and Deacon Tekaei, as the locals address them, took their share of their drink from this first ever water dispenser.

              Today, while at the staffroom before 0830 hrs. almost all staff were there enjoying a cup of hot coffee and tea before their first class at 0845 hrs.

              Thank you all MOE paid staff and thank you MOE. 

               

            • TE RIBANA - NUMERACY AND LITERACY

            • The school is excited to share TE RIBANA a great learning opportunity available now to all students.  It is an educational initiative and a tutorial session to provide learning and coaching opportunities to boost numeracy and literacy across the school. As a team, teachers meet and train together - part of their preparations before they collaboratively offer Te Ribana tutorial to their assigned group of students. 

              E a waaki te coaching iaon te Maths are ana manga tibaia nakoia ataei ba ribanakia ataei ba ana tamaroa aia konabai ao aia tatai iaon te Numeracy. 

              Ana katauraoi te English Department nakoia teachers are ana manga tibaia nakoia ataei ba ribanakin aia literacy skills. 

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            • Congratulations and Welcome – Form 4 Intake 2026

              19/12/2025

              Congratulations to all students who have successfully passed and been selected for Form 4 in 2026 at St. Francis High School.

              We warmly welcome you to our school community. Your success is the result of your hard work and commitment, and we are proud to have you join us.

              We wish you all the best as you begin this new stage of your learning journey. May your time at St. Francis High School be successful, enjoyable, and rewarding.

            • Joy to the School Community - Christmas in our Midst.

              29/11/2025

              As we come to the close of another meaningful year, the St. Francis High School community— teachers, support staff, and families—joined together for the final events of 2025 with hearts full of gratitude and joy.

              This week, our Assiss community of teaching and supporting staff gathered for a special time of reflection and renewal. It was a wonderful opportunity to refresh, wash away the challenges of the past year, and re-energize for all that awaits us in 2026. Moments like these remind us of the strength of our unity as a school family.

            • “Graduation Day for Saint Francis Class of 2025”

              21/11/2025

              Saint Francis High School proudly celebrated the graduation of its 45 Form 6 students on a joyful and memorable occasion marking the successful completion of the 2025 academic year.
              ✨ Highlights of the Program:
              • The day began with a Mass celebrated by Fr. Tara-Jake, offering blessings and thanksgiving for the graduates’ achievements.
              • A solemn Procession of Graduates followed, symbolizing their transition from students to alumni.
              • The Maneaba program added cultural richness and formality to the event, reflecting the school’s traditions and values.
              • The ceremony included the Handing of Certificates, recognizing each student’s dedication and hard work.
              • A special Prize Giving Ceremony honored outstanding students for academic excellence, leadership, service, and extracurricular achievements.
              • Additional activities and presentations brought inspiration and joy,

            • National Exams Begin – Wrapping Up Our School Year!

              9/11/2025

              Today marks the official start of our end-of-year examinations. Form 6 students begin with their English paper, while Form 5 students sit for their Kiribati paper. This important period signals the culmination of the 2025 academic year, as students demonstrate their hard work, commitment, and learning achievements.

            • Congrats Form 6 & Good Luck Students!

              9/11/2025

              Warmest congratulations to our Form 6 students on successfully completing your three-day retreat in preparation for your upcoming national examinations, beginning this Monday, 10th November 2025.

              This special time of reflection has helped you to strengthen your faith, focus your minds, and prepare your hearts for the days ahead. We express our sincere gratitude to our Parish Priest for celebrating Mass with us during the retreat, to all our Parishioners, and to Dr. Tiaon for the wonderful treat on the final day — the delicious chicken, sauces, drinks, and ice cream truly lifted everyone’s spirits after a time of fasting and prayer. Your kindness has given us energy and joy as we look forward to the coming examination days.

            • Keep Our Islands Litter-free (KOIL)

              30/10/2025
              25

              As we approach the national examination period, our school has come together in a spirit of unity and care to prepare our environment for success. Both students and staff have generously given their time and energy to support a litter-free campus, recognizing that a clean space contributes to a clear and focused mind.

            • Technical Vocational Education Training Achievement

              6/10/2025


              A Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) workshop was recently conducted by the Kiribati Institute of Technology on Kiritimati Island. We are proud to share that five of our dedicated teachers—Sr Lucy, Atarake, Moanibou, Tabunga, and Kaburoro—took part in this valuable program and successfully graduated with a Certificate in Basic Competency.
              This module forms part of an Introductory Professional Development initiative, designed to strengthen foundational skills and promote lifelong learning among educators. Their achievement reflects a strong commitment to growth and a shared vision of equipping our students with practical, skills-based education. We celebrate their success and thank them for representing our school with pride and purpose.

            • Australian Scholarship Award Awareness Programme

              3/10/2025

              Form 5 and Form 6 students of St. Francis High School were recently given a valuable opportunity to engage with the Australian Scholarship Award Awareness Programme, marking a significant step in their journey toward further education.
              The session was led by Ms. Nicola Roth, Second Secretary – Development, and Mr. Timaio Nauto, Assistant Program Manager – Employment & Labour Mobility. Their presentations offered rich insights into scholarship pathways, eligibility, and the broader vision of educational support available to Kiribati students.
              Our senior students participated actively in this informative and empowering session, gaining clarity and motivation to pursue future academic opportunities. The atmosphere was one of curiosity, hope, and thoughtful engagement.
              We extend our sincere appreciation to the visiting team and all those involved in organizing this initiative. Your efforts a

            • School Feast Day @ 2025

              3/10/2025
              23

              St. Francis High School joyfully celebrated the Feast Day of its patron, St. Francis of Assisi, with a rich and meaningful program that blended storytelling, worship, community spirit, and cheerful competition—all held inside the school’s maneaba.
              The celebration began with a reflective sharing of the life story of St. Francis of Assisi. Through vivid storytelling, students and staff were invited to journey through his early years of wealth and privilege, his radical choice to embrace poverty, and his deep love for all of God’s creation. The presentation highlighted his humility, compassion, and unwavering faith, setting a reverent and inspiring tone for the day.
              This was followed by a solemn Eucharistic Celebration, joined by special guests including the school principal, our beloved sisters, and the Active Head Catechist, who also serves as the school Chaplain. Their presence added

            • World Tourism Day attended by Year 10 students

              30/9/2025

              St. Francis High School extends heartfelt gratitude to our two student representatives, Tabeibeiti Keebwa and Elesi Mikare, both from Form 4C, who participated in the World Tourism Day Poetry Contest held on Thursday, 25th September at the Linnix Boardroom.
              Despite the short notice, these brave young women stepped forward with enthusiasm and worked closely with their teacher to prepare. They joined contestants from LPSSS and JSS, and although they did not place in the top two positions, they embraced the challenge with courage and grace — stepping into an unfamiliar role without hesitation.
              Each student received $30.00 in recognition of their participation.
              On Saturday evening, they were invited as guests to a formal gathering where the Honorable Mikarite Temari served as guest of honor. The event featured presentations on community-based tourism practices in Kiribati and highlighted var

            • English IA (Form 6 Skits) - Maere Tekanene Journal

              30/9/2025
              20

              " Last Wednesday 17th September 2025, Form 6 students performed a skit in their assigned groups. Each group had a team leader who guided the preparation from start to finish. All skits were based on their covered literature work which involved Remember the Titans directed by Boaz Yakin and the two short stories The Doll’s House by Katherine Mansfield and The Necklace by Guy De Mauppasant. The skits focused on the main elements of the film and the short stories such as the main parts of the plot which included the climax and the conflict, the messages and others.

            • Blessed Moment! Again, for the New Truck

              26/9/2025

              Today’s Mass celebration was marked by a joyful and meaningful milestone for our school community—the blessing of our newly acquired truck with holy water. This sacred ritual, led with reverence and gratitude, symbolizes our prayer for protection, good fortune, and purposeful service as the vehicle begins its journey in support of our students, staff, and daily operations.

            • Form 6 Biology Students With their creativity showcase 2025

              25/9/2025

              Our Form 6 Biology students recently showcased their human system models, demonstrating incredible creativity, effort, and understanding of the human body organ system.

              From preparation to presentation, students engaged in hands-on activities that made learning both fun and meaningful. Their dedication and innovative ideas truly impressed teachers and peers alike.

            • A Very Generous and Kind Act

              25/9/2025

              Today, our school was blessed with an unexpected visit from a very generous and kind tourist staying at Lagoon View Resort. In a short period of time, he surprised us by donating a few basketball jersey singlets, books, and pens. Though his visit was brief, his act of kindness was truly great and will be remembered by our school community for years to come.

            • St. Francis High School Joins Island-Wide Clean-Up Campaign

              25/9/2025

              Friday 19th Sept, early in the morning before period 2 start, our students and staff proudly took part in a community cleaning campaign, organized by the Ministry of Line and Phoenix Island Development. With great energy and teamwork, our school family collected inorganic rubbish, packing it into green bags for proper disposal.

            • A New Truck for Our School

              23/9/2025

              We are excited to share wonderful news with our school community — St. Francis High School now has a brand-new truck! This is not just any vehicle; it is a symbol of dedication, unity, and the power of hard work over the past two years.

              Through countless fundraising efforts, activities, and the generous support of our wider community, we have finally achieved this milestone. The gift of hard work truly bears fruit, and this new truck will serve many of our needs — from student travel and school activities to urgent errands and other essential uses.

            • Parents & Teachers Report Day !

              19/9/2025

              What a wonderful day at St. Francis!

              On Friday, 5th September, we held our PTA Meeting and Term 3 Report Giving. It was inspiring to see so many parents and guardians come in to meet with teachers, talk about their children’s learning journey, and share ideas together.

              We’re especially grateful because this year, more families joined us than in previous years - showing how much we all care about working together for our students’ success.

            • Pastoral Care Service "Baptismal Rite"

              18/9/2025

              On Friday, during Periods 4 and 5, the St Francis High School community came together for a special school Mass, celebrated by Fr Mataio. This Eucharistic celebration was a moment of unity, reverence, and spiritual reflection for both students and staff.
              What made this Mass especially memorable was the inclusion of baptismal rites for four children connected to our school staff: Kamatua, Temea, Moanteuea (child of Alice), and the infant daughter of Baaka. Their baptism, held within the context of our school Mass, brought a deep sense of joy and blessing to the entire community.
              In the Catholic tradition, baptism is a sacred act of initiation—a symbol of new life and belonging within the Church. Witnessing these baptisms during our school Mass was a powerful reminder of the faith and family spirit that enriches our school life.
              We extend heartfelt thanks to Fr Mataio for leading this cele

            • A Joyful Visit from EduKaIT, CEDAK,(Secondary Schools Directors)

              18/9/2025

              St Francis High School was honoured to welcome the EduKaIT Kiribati Team, working in partnership with CEDAK, and supported by the Ministry of Education and the Australian Government. Their visit brought joy, hope, and renewed connection to our school community.
              Among the visiting team was Fr Mataio, Director of Catholic Education and also the Director for our Catholic schools. His presence made this occasion truly special, as it marked the first time our school had the opportunity to speak directly with a Director—sharing our experiences, challenges, and dreams for the future.
              The visit brought life and encouragement, especially to mission schools in Phoenix and Christmas Islands, as the team came not only to observe but to listen. They asked what we need, and they promised to take those concerns back with them as they plan future support—including essential school stationery and resourc

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