As a Catholic school we celebrate and support young people through their journey as Catholics. Last weekend some students from St Joseph's and our parish received the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. We congratulate them and keep them in our prayers. See the Catholic Identity report for more and some photos.

We wish Fr Vijay all the best when he goes on a 'Sabbatical' to Alaska. He will be away from early June for 3 months. Fr Vijay joined me for a coffee Wednesday morning. When Fr Vijay returns we look forward to continuing our strong links to our parish. We will have some visiting priests during this period including Fr Dejay and Fr Joe. Whenever the opportunity arises, I will invite them into our school.

Today, I am attending the Reconciliation mass at St Mel's Shepparton. The theme is 'ALL IN for reconciliation'.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

As a leader you want to develop and be a better version of yourself. I was looking for some documents and came across this statement I had read a few years ago:

"There is no one single definition of leadership, or definitive set of skills, qualities or traits. However, what is clear is there are two applications: to oneself (self-leadership) and the engagement and inspiration of others (in all facets of life).

Every single person is a leader at some stage or maybe every minute of the day. Being a leader is a life-long quest. You do not need a title to be a leader. When I make a mistake as a dad for example, I can always work towards being better. I am not saying I have made any mistakes lately, unless my children tell me over the weekend!

I continue to be so proud of our students. In general, their manners are excellent. I shared with a few staff members on Thursday while sitting outside in the beautiful sun, the children take the second step when they say hello. The script often goes like this: Hello Mr Keenan, how has your day been? or What did you do over the weekend? How did your footy team go? How was golf? It is such a special quality to possess at a young age.

I am doing my best to get to know every child and family. Please forgive me if I forget your name.

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

-Grade 5/6 sportspersonship at the sports day on Thursday

-Staff for ongoing care of each other and the students

-Breakfast Club

-P& F/staff working towards finalising our COOK BOOK

-Fr Vijay for leading a beautiful mass each weekend

-FCJ staff and students for coordinating the sport day with Euroa, Mansfield and Benalla

Connecting with the community

We celebrated with our young candidates and their families last Saturday and Sunday. The children received the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation. We thank everyone for supporting the candidates and praying for them.

We wish Fr Vijay all the best when he heads away for a few months on his Sabbatical.

Fr Deejay and Fr Joe will be present trough this time. I will attempt to invite them into our school for a cuppa and tour.

Some of our Grade 5 & 6 students participated in AFL and Netball yesterday (Thursday) against St John's Euroa and St Mary's Mansfield. FCJ students and staff coordinated the day. A huge thanks to FCJ and the staff at each of the schools for making this day possible. A day like this may assist in relationships being formed before Year 7. Well done everyone!

Enrolments are OPEN

We will start meetings before the end of the term and conclude these during Weeks 1 & 2 of Term 3. We look forward to welcoming our New Foundation students for 2027. For existing families who may have a child starting in 2027, please visit the website and enrol. The official enrolment period ends on 31st May.

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

A reminder we have two PUPIL FREE DAYS coming up. Friday 5th and Tuesday 23rd June. We will be over at FCJ on 5th June and off-site on the 23rd. The school and office will be closed both days.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

David Keenan (Principal)

Parents & Friends (P&F)