King Tide in Kiribati - Palms Australia

with Bridget Kennelly

The students of Immaculate Heart College in Kiribati have departed the island of Taborio for the holidays. Prior to climbing into the school boats to the mainland, the students worked together to raise the seawall ahead of this weekend’s King Tide.

Expected to reach 2.95 metres, the King Tide exceeds the height of the seawall. If coupled with strong winds, the students may return to find their school worse for wear. However, the teachers’ main priority is, as always, the safety of the students, and as they depart the island each student is returning to their families to share their stories of the school term.

School boat ready to take the first students home for the holidays. The water at this time is deep enough for the boat to meet students at the shore.

Students preparing the seawall for the King Tide, due August 31st. The tide is expected to reach 2.95 metres, higher than the seawall. If the tide is coupled with heavy winds, the school may see significant damage over the weekend.

The second group of students making their way to the school boats. Now low tide, the students must walk out into the lagoon, keeping their bags and belongings dry as they meet the boats out in deeper water.

You can support the staff and students at Immaculate Heart College by making a regular donation to their project. This project provides two years of professional development for the local teachers of the college.