News

A big shout to our academic ametur warriors for their outstanding performance during the Senior Secondary School Academic night competition at Xmas Mini Stadium as part of the celebration of our 45th independence anniversary in 2024. The whole school community witnessed the discipline and dedication of these students to an advanced level. Congratulations to you all and you have made us all proud of your excellent effort. Many thanks!!!

Also, thanks to the school academic Committee, Mrs Maere Tekanene, Mr Ueanterube Biriro, Mrs Moanibou Ngarueanga, Mrs Temari Morei and Mr Kaburoro Kautabwea and our cousins from our sister schools IMHS and LPSSS for organising such an epic event. Teachers and Supporting staff for your tireless hours in offereing the best training to our contestants, kam bati n raba.

The school was very proud of the outstanding performance of our March team during the 45th Parade to honour our beloved Kiribati Independence day 2024.

We want to thank these amazing students below and our dedicated staff, supportive people and talented coaches, for their outstanding organisation, preparation, positivity and incredible skills. Massive thanks for your tireless efforts and untold hours.

St.Francis High School staff and students were overjoyed to be the winners of this year’s competition. Schools participating included us, the Phoenix Islands Senior Secondary School (LPSSS), Itoini Mainiku High School and Kiritimati Atoll Junior Secondary School. This is history for all of us because it was the first time to introduce keeping a record of three important achievements:  school top track runners, shortest time used in the track events in all track events covered and finally the longest distance covered by field event competitors in the shot putt and long jump. 

Former sports national coach, Mr Maereti Burennatu, currently teaching Health and Physical Education and English at our school has advised on this new recording system.  These records will be used as school targets to obtain higher points by individuals and school teams in 2025 and the years to come.  Additionally, students whose names are on record are credited for their achievement. They are the ‘stars’ of their schools in sport. Next year, when students compete in the 5000 Intermediate, they will be reminded to break the records of Tawita Buranibeia in the senior category and Tebiria in the intermediate category. St.Francis has been highly privileged to have among the team one of the most experienced coaches and advisors to the sports committee, Mr Maereiti Burennatu. As the main coach for our school, the school is grateful for his commitment because St.Francis is setting top records this year. Details of these will be posted shortly. In the meantime the summary results is provided in the table below:

Record of Results of the Inter-School Sports held 9^th July 2024

St Francis High School                                                   Total Score: 226 Position: 1st 

Itoini Mainiku High School                                              Total Score: 193 Position: 2nd 

Line & Phoenix Senior Secondary School                      Total Score: 132 Position: 3rd

Kiritimati Atoll Junior Secondary School                         Total Score: 125  Position: 4th 

This year’s sports preparation was hosted by LPSSS. The sport committee comprised of each school’s representative had been the organizing body for all the preparations involved. This year has proved to be the most successful based on your e-newsletter’s observation and gratitude is extended to this highly professional committee. Starting time for the first event, the 5000 km race by both intermediate and senior boys began before the strong sun’s rays came to life.  Ending time also hit the clock.  

The school acknowledges the sacrificed time and expertise Maereiti Burennatu has given to the competitors during the five-week boarding duration. The school e-newsletter also extends its gratitude to all who had tirelessly given of their time spending evenings at Poverello serving as matron and warden. School Principal Mr Adrian and his wife Sakalio had been our strong pillars of support in filling up some absence gaps at Poverello Mwaneaba.  Our hats off to them and Teingoa, Teuribano, Alice, Tinomai and Kaburoro for leaving their comfort zones sometimes to join the camping team at Poverello Mwaneaba. Also let’s not forget to say our huge kam rabwa to the non-stop cooking by our kitchen ladies, Mangori Terube and Burao. Kuritaro for supplying the energy driver to the boarding squad. Finally, to all staff involved in one way or another amongst other duties. "Arigatou gozaimasu".                                                                                

Forms 4 and 5 Quiz Team are preparing before the upcoming Quiz to take place on the 14^th of July in Ronton.  Their opponents will be their sister schools on the island namely the Line and Phoenix Senior Secondary known for its short name LPSSS and Itoi ni Mainiku Secondary School.  It will be the first time for many to present themselves in public and speaking on stage to a larger audience so it’s going to be a real challenge but will be rewarding at the same time. These students are not only going to be excellent in their subjects but they should learn to respond within the short time limit permitted. 

The three schools' selected committee have met several times to consider how best to accommodate the event with no bias, agreeing on scoring sheets and how the questions are to be presented and others. Island Education Coordinator also participates as a neutral partner on the committee. He will be receiving all submitted questions from schools and sort the required procedures agreed on the morning of the set date. 

St Francis E-Newsletter wishes all staff and students involved the very best.  TEKERAOI. 

St Francis High School celebrated St Paul’s and St Peter’s Feast day on Friday 28^th June. The celebration began with a march parade by the two school teams named after our patron saints in the front area of the school compound. St Peter won in all competitions beginning from the morning march parade, field events and indoor events at the school mwaneaba,Poverello.

The posted photos of our Saints’ Feast are some great memories to look back to by all of us participating in  this year's celebration.  The function was well enjoyed with a lot of  laughing and great fun by all that were there.  Not only that but also some almost lost their sportsmanship skill of patience during the competition by some minor but settled arguments like Teuribano versus Kaburoro disagreeing on who were the winners of the tug of war.  And some like Sr Lucy Betero from St Peter gave it all by tying the rope around her waist to ensure that St Peter made the strongest force when pulling.  St Peter won the competition so we can say it was worth their stern serious look on their faces while pulling. Chaplain in red sulu being the heaviest in the blue team gave extra weight which made it harder for the Red Team, St Paul to pull to their side.  

The afternoon indoor games was opened with cake cutting by student leaders of both teams.  Gratitude goes to the social committee, Alice, Teatarake and Maereiti for making all the arrangement amongst other busy schedules and all teaching and support staff. The school was fortunate to receive some donations towards the event, a cake from Mrs Sakalio shared by both student teams after lunch, two bowld of ice cream from our parish priest Fr Tarajake Takakia and a kilo of kava and packets of lollies from Jacob Teem. After 3 pm the celebrations ended peacefully.  

Staff and students are at the peak of a hectic week of preparations before the upcoming 45^th independence anniversary which the school will also participate in for various events which include the marching parade, interschool sports competition, quiz competition, speech competition to name but a few.  At the same time staff are marking their examination papers, entering results after the mid-term school-based assessment convened during Weeks 6 to 7, ongoing literacy and numeracy tutorials and assessment, training of the squad team, having special classes for the quiz, speech presentation, march practising and boarding with selected  participants  staying at Poverello Mwaneaba . At the same time both Forms 6 Science and Arts and Commerce are meeting their IA deadlines in some of their subjects.  Teachers of concerned classes also try their best to get these done before this exciting anniversary when school will close for five working days. 

The school expresses gratitude for the positive response from our parish community providing voluntary service in the sewing of new marching uniforms. Not only that but some staff spouses have also extended their hands in assisting the march practice. The school is grateful also for the voluntary service provided by our principal’s wife, Mrs Sakalio Adrian, for supporting the kitchen staff in preparation of the boarding students’ 3 daily meals.

The school expresses a sincere heartfelt grateful towards all donations from some of our business community and current candidates for house of parliament for responding to our request regarding food supply beside the students’ and staff contribution.  Without this spirit of giving by many, the preparation at boarding would not have been possible.  It becomes hard at times with some teachers being absent for being sick and  attendance to family members’ illness. On Monday this week, staff absence was quite high with 6 having to be relieved by  other staff in attendance. Despite the odds, Principal and Deputy try and steer the moving canoe straight to its goal with our support staff living on school campus. Recently, given its last week of preparation Principal and Deputy are now joining the boarding team at Poverello Mwaneaba.

St.Francis Newsletter encourages all to hold firmly to the canoe steered by our Principal and Deputy with high commitment to combat the strong currents now coming our way. Let’s all be a team and abide by our school Motto : “Collaborate for the Best” Prior to closing, St Francis Newsletter wishes to share this African Proverb to keep us in high team spirit : “ If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. This African proverb means that working with others may be somewhat slow compared to solo work, but you'll need to collaborate if you want long-term success because one person cannot do everything by himself / herself at this hectic period in our school calendar and in all school undertakings and duties. 

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!

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 16^th June and Wednesday 18^th 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 20^th June as the school will close for a public holiday on Friday 21^st 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.

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.

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 2024 is Established 

St Francis PTA for 2024 was finally established on 31^st 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. 

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 24^th 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 7^th 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 5^th 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 6^th 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 5^th and Elaine Bernacchi School from 2004 to 2006. In 2007 he did his Form 7 at St Patrick in Betio. He became Deacon on 10^th 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. 

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.