New St Joseph's Primary, Benalla, principal David Keenan with Year 1 students.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
St Joseph’s Primary School, Benalla has formally welcomed David Keenan as its new principal, following his time leading the school as interim principal since November 2025.
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During his time as interim principal Mr Keenan has become a familiar and trusted presence around the school, building strong connections with students, staff and families.
“I feel really fortunate to be continuing at St Joseph’s,” Mr Keenan said.
“It’s a wonderful community and I’m looking forward to continuing to work alongside our students, staff and families as we move ahead together.
“Our recent strong NAPLAN results indicate that children who attend St Joseph's have every opportunity for academic growth and success."
Strong 2026 NAPLAN results across two-year levels at St Joseph’s Primary School, Benalla
Over 82 per cent of Year 3 students achieved at Strong or Exceeding levels in Writing.
Over 80 per cent of Year 5 students achieved at Strong or Exceeding levels in Reading.
These results reflect the steady work taking place in classrooms to strengthen literacy through clear, evidence-informed teaching.
Mr Keenan said they were an encouraging sign of students building the skills and confidence they needed for learning across the curriculum.
And that his focus was on providing steady leadership, a supportive learning environment and ensuring every child feels valued and enabled to thrive.
New St Joseph's Primary School principal David Keenan has been in the role in an interim capacity since November 2025.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Deputy director mission and education development Catholic Education Sandhurst Darta Hovey said the appointment reflected a commitment to strong, stable leadership for the future.
“David has already demonstrated his deep care for the school and its community. His appointment provides strong certainty and a positive way forward for St Joseph’s,” Mr Hovey said.
St Joseph’s has long been a valued part of the Benalla community and the school community has responded warmly to Mr Keenan’s appointment following his strong leadership over the past months.
“I look forward to meeting people across the wider community,” Mr Keenan said.
“I value the contribution of local businesses, including our farmers.
“As a pathway school, our partnership with FCJ College is another exciting opportunity for St Joseph's and the Benalla community.
“We are currently accepting enrolments across most year groups and for 2027.’’
If you have not enrolled your child for foundation 2027, or you are thinking of St Joseph's in another year level, please inquire now by calling 5762 1347, visiting www.sjbenalla.catholic.edu.au/ or emailing admin@sjbenalla.catholic.edu.au
Mr Keenan is hosting two ‘Meet the Principal’ sessions on:
Tuesday, August 18 from 9am, and
Wednesday, August 26 from 12pm
No registration or booking is required and school community members or prospective parents are able to simply come along to either session.
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