Ralph Makes the Grade
OVAtion recently became aware that one of its alumni is currently the Principal of St Brendan-Shaw College, Devonport. Stuart Ralph 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 College 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 16 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). He had also 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)
Photo - 1962 Yearbook
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.
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. He 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 also works for private companies and the Tasmanian Government on selected Projects as a superintendent.
On his company website, Marcus lists his interests as Land Cruisers, buildings, solar panels, energy efficiency, travelling and caravans.
Marcus married former St Mary’s student Tracey Stingle, and they have two sons.