Principal

Yesterday morning we were joined by many mum's, grandmothers and special people in the children's lives. It was a fabulous breakfast with smiles on everyone's face. We keep all mums in our thoughts at all times, but a little extra thought this Sunday. We pray for those special people who are not with us. 

Like everyone else, I thank God for my own mum. She will be 84 in November and still looks out for her four children. My mum is still very independent and active. We call her the managing director of the retirement village :)

Two nights ago, I spoke with a Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Officer 2nd/14th Lighthorse Regiment. He rang me to say hello. Tom was a student of mine 30 years ago.  This regiment is one of the oldest units in the Army and it fought in World War One. Instead of horses they ride major vehicles now. The ANZAC spirit lives on in him as he heads out on a one-month training exercise and juggles being a single dad of three boys. His wife died less than two years ago. I keep Tom and his family in my thoughts on Mother's Day. I am sure there will be many people missing their mum's not only on Mother's Day. My thoughts are with you. 

Being Adaptable

One characteristic of an ANZAC is 'adaptability'.

Like the ANZACs who faced unfamiliar environments and challenges, leaders must be agile, flexible, and open to new ideas and initiatives to navigate new and emerging trends, risks and opportunities. Nothing ever stands still. Time and change marches on. As Charles Darwin famously said. "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change."

We are all leaders as human beings.

Principal Roll Advertised

As previously communicated, I am currently Acting Principal at St Joseph's for 2026. I started at St Joseph's on Monday 3rd November 2025.

This means I am on leave from my current role as Principal at St Luke's Shepparton.

Regardless, whether I want to stay or not, Catholic Education Sandhurst must advertise the role in line with the recruitment process. If I apply, I will join the applicants for shortlisting. 

The role of Principal for St Joseph's was advertised on Monday 4th May and will close on Monday 1st June. 

THANK YOU

ANZAC Day- students, staff and families represented St Joseph's on Saturday 25th April. Other students may have represented different community groups, and I acknowledge their support for this day.

Mother's Day- staff were preparing for the breakfast in the weeks leading up to the event and very early yesterday morning. It was a wonderful experience. Thanks you all for supporting this. The choir performed a song "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman". Well done!

Teachers- I know it is part of a teacher's job description, but thank you for preparing for the Student Progress meetings

Connecting with the community

Auskick- AFL is on at St Joseph's starting next Thursday after school. 

Heritage Society- we joined the parish and opened up the school last Saturday 2nd May.

Parish & Sacraments- we continue to pray for the students and their families as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. 

Student Progress Meetings

These continue next Thursday from 2:30pm-5:45pm. Bookings online (PAM). Any time we get a chance to meet and discuss your child's growth is a very special opportunity. 

OPEN DAYS and Catholic Education Week

Catholic Education Sandhurst video

We have very good reason to celebrate Catholic Education. We had a good number of new and existing families visit our school on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th April. As Principal I can talk about the great things we do at St Joseph's, but the evidence is in the action of the students and staff as you tour the school.

Enrolments are OPEN

Winter Uniform

The weather has certainly changed! Our uniform is always worn very well, so thankyou. If children wish to wear a beanie please choose a plain navy blue. We may look into a school beanie in the future, but I will need to check in with NOONE. 

VRQA- what is this?

Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority. Every four years schools go through a thorough review process. On an ongoing basis CESL always check-in but the VRQA complete this process at all schools in Victoria. The other states participate in the same process with their state body. All things policy (compliance) i reviewed. Our onsite day is Thursday 18th June. I (or my leadership team) may not be available that day :)

Pulse Check (CESL)

Pulse Checks of every Sandhurst school were introduced across the system in 2025, providing valuable baseline insights into school performance and alignment with CESL priorities. Building on this earlier work, the 2026 Pulse Checks continue to support schools by offering timely feedback and a clear picture of current practice.

The purpose of the visit is to gain an accurate understanding of current practice and to identify both areas of strength and those that may benefit from further support or alignment. As part of our system-level responsibilities, we are committed to promoting alignment with Diocesan priorities, supporting school performance, and strengthening improvement outcomes.

Throughout the day, we will move through the school, observe lessons, visit classrooms, and speak with staff. There is no formal agenda, and we aim to engage with those who are available during the visit.

We will be rating various areas of the school using a standard template, which will be completed in consultation with you. The school will be made aware of the ratings given and the rationale behind each assessment. This will be discussed in our end‑of‑visit meeting, where we will share observations and offer feedback.

The outcome of a Pulse Check directly informs how the system engages with each school. Where schools are progressing well, support may be light‑touch and affirming. Where significant concerns are identified, more frequent contact and intensive support may be required — including the development and implementation of a Rapid Improvement Plan.

Pulse Checks are a collaborative tool focused on growth. They are designed to build shared understanding, promote alignment, and ensure every school is supported to succeed.

Advisory Council

The Advisory Council serves as a consultative and advisory group for the Principal, a means through which the Board receives information and feedback from the broader school community and an active forum for parent and local community participation, providing support and advice primarily in strategic planning and school improvement, and is intended to:

-actively support, in collaboration with the local parish, the Vision and Catholic Identity of the School/College

-provide parental and local community input into strategic planning, school improvement, child safeguarding practices and school review

-support the Principal in meeting their accountabilities for educational outcomes, effective stewardship of resources, and annual reporting

-actively support the Principal in the encouragement of parent/carer engagement

-Provide a means by which the CESL Executive (and thereby the CESL Board) can dialogue with and hear from school community members

The current Advisory Council would like to add to the group by transitioning two more members into the group. This acts as a succession plan while bringing new skills and qualities to the table. If you are interested please contact me (dkeenan@sjbenalla.catholic.edu.au)

CELEBRATING 150 years

Opportunities to be part of this celebration

Sunday 25th October -2:00pm Thanksgiving Mass

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY 

David Keenan (Principal)