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Issue 6, July 2026
The Lighthouse Lens is a termly publication, a window into our community's progress, achievements, and impact.
Read our April issue here.
Letter from the Board Chair
Letter from the Board Chair
Susanna Dalais
Board Chair
You have heard the famous adage, “every guest brings happiness – some when they arrive, and some when they are leaving.”
In this past quarter, and even historically, we have found visitors and “critical friends” to Lighthouse have brought us much-needed insight and encouragement.
Read more >
We have benefited from the visits of international school experts from the US and South Africa, including for board and executive training. Our principal-to-be visited from Zambia and our two Australian board members from Perth and Melbourne. We have had energy boosts student interns and volunteers from France, Switzerland, Germany, the US and South Africa. While this certainly meant a lot of neurons firing, it also enabled us as a school community to see some of what we consider our daily “normal” as extraordinary.
Again, this has helped us appreciate the richness of our Mauritian roots and the contributions of many staff members and families who work together for the benefit of students.
Finally, I’d like to thank one of those special contributors – our dear friend and colleague Dr Darnelle Pretorius. Darnelle served as Principal of Lighthouse from 2017 to 2019 and since then, as a member of the Board. She has worked tirelessly behind the scenes in this governance role, encouraging our school leaders to see through the debut of our first graduating class in 2021. We are grateful for seeing God’s provision through you, Darnelle.
Susanna Dalais
Board Chair
Dr Darnelle Pretorious with Lighthouse staff and Board members
Claire Gibson
Co-Interim Principal
Emma Barfield
Co-Interim Principal
Since arriving at Lighthouse at the start of May, we have been warmly welcomed by the school community. As Co-Interim Principals, our ambition is to improve academic standards and strengthen the systems and structures in the school.
Our first priority was to visit all classrooms, see what is happening and encourage growth. Working closely with the Senior Team, and drawing on the expertise of the teachers, we are working hard to align curriculum and foster the collective spiritual and pastoral life of the school community.
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All parents were invited to the Town Hall in early June, and we were delighted to meet so many of you. We had the chance to address your questions and offer a vision of continuity and support in this exciting, transitional time for Lighthouse. We have been working closely with Wikus Botha, the substantive Principal from November 2026, so the handover will be seamless.
On July 21 st we received official notification that Lighthouse has been awarded ACSI Accredited status following their visit in early June. We are delighted with this official recognition and will continue to partner with ACSI to strengthen our provision.
This term has seen school sports days, spelling bees, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and
student socials. Vibrancy and enthusiasm characterise the broader curriculum here, and we always welcome the support of parents.
When we return from the August break, there is hard work to be done in preparation for the exams. This is a stressful time for our Upper School students as they work hard for the exams that offer them a path to the future.
Exam year students with near-perfect attendance have almost double the odds of achieving a
pass, compared to similar pupils attending 90–95% of the time. In other words, missing just 10
extra days are associated with half the odds of achieving these grades. We know we can count on your support to ensure all students have excellent attendance.
We have been reflecting on Jeremiah 6: 16, “This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads
and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find
rest for your souls”.
Enjoy the term break and we thank the whole community for its continued support and prayers.
Emma Barfield and Claire Gibson
Lighthouse Interim Principal Team
News
News
Lighthouse Earns MSA-CESS Accreditation
Lighthouse Earns MSA-CESS Accreditation
Earlier this year in April, we received the wonderful news that our school has earned accreditation by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), a worldwide leader in accreditation and continuous school improvement.
More About the Accreditation
The accreditation process begins with a self-study that is conducted by the school or school system and requires input from school leaders, teachers, parents, and students. Following the self-study, a team of volunteer educators from Middle States member schools conducts a peer review. The visiting team makes its recommendation to the Middle States Association Commissions, which votes on the accreditation.
We are proud to join the Middle States network, and we thank you, our beloved community, for trusting us and continuing to support our mission.
We look forward to continuing to work with our administrators, teachers, parents, and our entire school community to provide high quality education for all students.
New Lighthouse Video: What Makes Our School Unique?
New Lighthouse Video: What Makes Our School Unique?
On our Term 2 Open Day in June, we have released our brand-new Lighthouse video, and we are excited to share it with you as well!
Featuring testimonials from both Primary and Secondary students and teachers, this 3-minute, light-hearted video captures the essence of our school and showcases what makes Lighthouse unique. Enjoy!
Students: Awards and Recognitions
Students: Awards and Recognitions
Staff: New Appointments and Achievements
Staff: New Appointments and Achievements
We are delighted to introduce you to our new staff members who have joined us between late Term 1 and Term 2 2026. Welcome to the Lighthouse family!
We are also proud of some of our staff's accomplishments in their careers, from degrees to certifications to improve their skills and be better teachers for our students.
Alumni from 2023 and 2024: Where Are They Now?
Alumni from 2023 and 2024: Where Are They Now?
We are back with fresh stories from our alumni! Find out what the classes from 2023 and 2024 have been up to since graduating from Lighthouse!
The Lighthouse Difference
The Lighthouse Difference
How Does Sport Benefit My Child's Education?
How Does Sport Benefit My Child's Education?
Listen to Avison Athion and Joash Beebaky, secondary and primary PE teachers, as they give us insights about the benefits of our sports offers and physical education curriculum at Lighthouse.
Sports Achievements
Sports Achievements
Opportunities
Opportunities
Job Openings at Lighthouse
Job Openings at Lighthouse
As we look to grow and strengthen our faculty, we are looking to fill the following positions:
Head of Secondary
Head of Primary
Primary School Teacher
Primary Learning Assistant
Secondary French Teacher
Secondary Science Teacher
Senior Accountant
People and Talent Lead
Secondary Campus Secretary
Keeping Education Accessible and Affordable: Support Us
Keeping Education Accessible and Affordable: Support Us
As a non-profit organisation, part of our mission is to keep school fees as low as possible. To help bridge the gap and supplement our fee income, we rely on the generous support of both our local and international communities. Donations may take the form of one-off, project-specific gifts or regular monthly commitments.
How can you give?
With your time
With your finances and gifts
Find out more below.
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