St. Mary¡¯s International School is setting up a panel to conduct an internal investigation into reported cases of child sexual abuse ¡ª including one confirmed case of rape ¡ª at the school in Tokyo, according to a letter issued to alumni earlier this month.

In the letter, dated Oct. 4, Headmaster Saburo Kagei says he has recently heard from ¡°several alumni who shared stories of abuse.¡± He continues: ¡°It is very distressing to hear these accounts. . . . I want to make sure something like this never happens again.¡±

The letter says the school is focusing on making sure there are policies, procedures and training in place to ensure the safety of its students.