Flourishing community of faith and learning

By Wendy Shaw

The acting principals at St Aloysius Catholic College are looking forward to an exciting year ahead as the community grows together in faith and learning.

The college is on three modern campuses in the Kingborough municipality south of Hobart.

Founded in 1960 by the Sisters of Charity, it has about 1,145 students and is the only Kinder-Year 12 co-educational Catholic College in Tasmania.

It has a new senior leadership model this year, with Stuart Kelly acting principal for Kindergarten to Year 6, and Brad Canning acting principal for Years 7 to 12. Previously, the college had one principal.

Both acting principals bring a wealth of experience to their roles.

Mr Canning has served as deputy principal and acting principal at St Aloysius and before that as assistant principal (transition and wellbeing) at St Virgil’s College.

“Having worked across all three campuses over five years, I feel I know this college and its community well and that depth of understanding has been invaluable in stepping into the principal role,” Mr Canning said.

Mr Canning said there was much to be excited about in 2026.

“Watching our senior campus continue to grow is a real priority,” he said.

“It only opened in 2024 and already has real momentum. We are also in the second year of our Year 9 Ignite Program, an innovative approach to purposeful learning, and I am looking forward to seeing that develop further.

“I am also genuinely looking forward to the partnership with Stu as he leads the primary school. It is an exciting model, and I think the possibilities for the whole college community are significant as we pursue our school improvement agenda together.”

Mr Canning said the college’s strengths included its strong pastoral care, commitment to academic excellence, genuine care for each student’s spiritual and personal development, and a rich co-curricular life.

“And we remain proud of our founding heritage through the Sisters of Charity, whose charism of compassion, courage and service continues to shape who we are,” Mr Canning added.

“As a Catholic college, our faith is not just something we mark on a calendar; it shapes how we treat people, how we respond to those who are struggling, and how we try to grow together. That is something I want to continue nurturing as we move forward.”

Mr Kelly has taught and held leadership roles with Catholic Education Tasmania for 32 years, 27 of those in senior leadership.

He was previously Principal Lead (South) and Regional Principal Leader (South) in the Catholic Education Office. Before that he was principal at: St Brigid’s Catholic School, New Norfolk; St Paul’s Catholic School, Bridgewater; St Therese’s Catholic School, Moonah; and Sacred Heart Catholic School, Geeveston. In 2022-23, he supported St Aloysius in his role as Regional Principal Leader. 

“I love my new role working closely with Brad and the staff, students and families,” Mr Kelly said.

“It is an exciting time to be at the college as it continues to grow and respond to our mission to serve families in the Kingston/Channel/Huon area.

“I have been struck by the warmth and welcome that lives within the community. From the moment I arrived, I could see that this is a place where relationships matter and where students are known, supported and encouraged to grow.”

Mr Kelly said the most striking feature of college life is the spirit of faith that quietly shapes daily life.

“I can see the Gospel values alive in our community,” he said.

“I have also been impressed by the dedication of our staff. It’s clear that there is a strong commitment to helping every child and young person flourish.

“I feel grateful to have joined this community, and I look forward to the journey ahead as we continue to grow together in faith and learning.

“The charism of the Sisters of Charity continues to inspire us to be a community of compassion, courage and service; seeing Christ in each person and responding with love, especially where the need is greatest.” 

The previous principal, Paul Reidy, is now principal of BlendED National school, an initiative of Edmund Rice Education Australia.