Preparing for 2026: St Louis High School, Kiribati, Welcomes New Staff Through Orientation Program

A week-long orientation program was underway at St Louis High School, Kiribati, bringing together new and returning staff as they prepare for the 2026 school year.

Held from 12–16 January in Bishop Paul Mea Hall, the program was designed to support staff formation, reflection, and planning. It was led by senior management facilitators Frank Christopher, Deputy Principal (Junior), Tangaroa Arobati, Property Manager, and Kareaua Nawaia, Head of Student Welfare. Each day combined structured sessions with time for reflection, discussion, and meals, creating a welcoming and collegial environment for participants.

This year, the School community warmly welcomed seven new teachers, who are being introduced to the school’s ethos, expectations, and pastoral culture through the orientation program.

A key session during the week drew on the biblical image of new wine requiring new wineskins, an apt framework for reflecting on both renewal and responsibility. This theme was paired with a detailed review of the school’s 2025 academic performance across Forms 3, 5, 6, and 7. The session was facilitated by the incoming Deputy Principal (Senior High), Leo M Kaufusi, who shared his enthusiasm as he steps into the role.

While the analysis identified areas of concern, the focus remained constructive and forward-looking. Teachers worked in departmental groups to reflect on the data, express their responses, and identify practical strategies for improvement. These insights were then shared with the wider group, encouraging cross-departmental dialogue and collective ownership of the school’s academic direction.

The orientation concluded with prayer and lunch, affirming the school’s resolve to face challenges with honesty and hope while building on the foundations established in 2025 for a strong year in 2026.

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-Words and pics by Br Petero Navuku in Kiribati