Inclusive, Safe, and Strong: The Vision of St Louis High School, Kiribati, for Every Student

Safeguarding isn’t just a policy - it’s a way of thinking and a responsibility we all share throughout our school community. At St Louis High School, this commitment comes to life every day through ongoing awareness, training, and a spirit of inclusion, writes Christopher Lus, Pasifika Safeguarding Coordinator.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is a shared responsibility - one that involves every member of our community.

The staff of St Louis High School, Kiribati at the recent Safeguarding seminar.

At St Louis High School and among the Marist Brothers in Kiribati, we take our roles as educators and leaders in educational ministries with the utmost seriousness. Our commitment to child protection is reflected in the collaborative efforts of Brothers, staff, and Champagnat Groups across the country. These efforts are guided by principles drawn from our Marist Handbooks - particularly In the Footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat.

By grounding our professional conduct in these values, we set clear expectations for behaviour, build trust within our communities, and, most importantly, ensure the safety and dignity of the children and vulnerable adults in our care.

To ensure that safeguarding is not just an idea a reality, regular seminars are held across the Pasifika region.

One such workshop took place just last week at St Louis High School in Kiribati. It focused on several key areas of safeguarding and child protection, including specific guidance for staff in caring for students - many of whom may face abuse at home or, at times, even within the school setting.

Staff were reminded of the vital importance of having a clear, active Child Protection Policy at St Louis. The workshop also encouraged deep reflection, challenging participants with questions that sparked open discussion and meaningful presentations by teachers.

These conversations are essential to building awareness and a culture of accountability.

Embedding a culture of safeguarding in our schools is not optional - it is critical. Creating safe, nurturing environments requires a collective shift in mindset and practice. The true aim of a Child Protection Policy is not just compliance but transformation; to prevent harm, protect the vulnerable, ensure safe spaces, and promote the dignity of every child entrusted to us.

Changing attitudes is where it begins. Every time we train a child, a teacher, or a family… every time we enact a safeguarding policy, we take a step away from broken models of the past and move closer to a just, compassionate future.

Here at St Louis High School, that commitment also extends to inclusivity. We recognise and respect the varied abilities of all individuals, especially those with special needs. We understand that disability is often shaped more by society’s barriers than by individual limitations. Our goal is to ensure no student is excluded - not by infrastructure, nor by our own inability to communicate. In line with this vision, St Louis High School proudly employs five sign language teachers, continuing our mission to build a school community rooted in accessibility, dignity, and care for all.

Christopher Lus Pasifika Safeguarding Coordinator