Acknowledging His Principalship and SVC Association

OVAtions recently became aware that one of its alumni is currently the Principal of St Brendan-Shaw College, Devonport. He commenced his tenure at the commencement of 2023.

Prior to taking the appointment, he was the Deputy Principal at St Patrick's College in Launceston. 

Stuart attended St Virgil’s (1991-94) as did his father Simon (svc 1957-62) and older brother Marcus (SVC 1984-88). 

Following his completion of HSC at Guilford Young College, he attended the University of Tasmania from 1997-2000, where he attained a Bachelor's Degree in Human Movement, later he attained  a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership at the Australian Catholic University and completed a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education. 

Stuart spent the first six years of his teaching career at Sacred Heart College in New Town, before moving to Launceston where he was to spend the ensuing sixteen years on the staff of St Patrick’s College. Prior to his Devonport appointment, Stuart was Deputy Principal - Leadership and Wellbeing for St Patrick’s College (2017-2022). Previous to that, during Stuart's tenure at St Patrick’s College, he had acted in the roles of Deputy Principal - Pastoral Care and Head of Middle School.

Mr Ralph is married to Julia, and together they have four children. He is a keen fisherman and a volunteer member of the Pipers River Fire Brigade, part of the Tasmanian Fire Service. His sporting background included playing cricket and football for Clarence, and he previously umpired AFL football, including multiple NTFL and SFL Grand Finals and over 40 Senior VFL games.

From 2009- 2015 Stuart was Founder and Organiser of one of Launceston’s major social events Simons Prostate Cancer Ball - a charity event held annually at the Albert Hall, organised by Stuart and Julia in memory of Stuart's father Simon who passed away from prostate cancer in 2008. 

SIMON RALPH   25.05.1944–11.11.2007 (SVC 1957-62)

Simon hailed from Sorell where his father was the local pharmacist. He commenced his six years as a boarder at St Virgil’s in 1957 and matriculated in 1962. In his final year he was a Prefect, Vice Captain of the First XI Cricket and was a member of First XVIII Football, Athletics and Cross Country teams.

Post school, Simon attended the Hobart Teachers College and then worked at several primary and district high schools in southern Tasmania – Campania, Sorell, Dunalley, Chigwell (for 23 years), Montague Bay and Warrane.

Simon married Elaine Townsend and they had three children – Caroline, Marcus and Stuart.

Simon passed away on Remembrance Day – 2007 after a battle with prostate cancer.

MARCUS RALPH (SVC 1984-88)

Marcus has  had his own business for 23 years. He is a building designer with qualifications in

• Applied Science (Building and Architecture Practice- Architectural Stream) – Associate Diploma 
• Building Design and Drafting -Diploma
• Certificate in Project Management

In addition to designing building, he facilitates approval processes and, for select commercial projects and project manages their builds.

He does work for private companies and the Tasmanian Government on selected Projects as a superintendent.

On his company website, Marcus lists his interests as Landcruisers , buildings, solar panels , energy efficiency and travelling and caravans.

Marcus married former St Mary’s student Tracey Stingle, and they have two sons.