St. Mary's International School is setting up a panel to conduct an internal investigation into reported cases of child sexual abuse — including one confirmed case of rape — 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.