Press Release

Dear Baradene Community,

The Board of Trustees, with support from Baradene College Limited, is delighted to announce that, following an extensive facilitated search across Australasia and thorough evaluation of numerous highly qualified candidates, Alexandra Russell has been appointed as the new Principal of Baradene College of the Sacred Heart.

Alexandra has been a key member of the Baradene College of the Sacred Heart community for over 12 years. During that time she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to academic excellence. In her role as Deputy Principal - Director of Teaching and Learning, she has made a significant impact, driving improvements in curriculum delivery, academic performance, and overall student outcomes. Her passion for girls’ education, the Catholic charism of the College and her ability to connect with students, staff and the wider community were key attributes that the Board viewed as vital in leading Baradene into its next phase of growth and success.

Throughout her time as Acting Principal in Term 3, Alexandra exhibited vision, strength, and thoughtfulness in her leadership with a focus on the needs of each student. We are confident that she will continue to inspire, support, and guide our community with the same dedication and care as she steps into the role of Principal in Term 1, 2025.

Alexandra has expressed her excitement about the appointment, saying, "I am delighted and honoured to take on the role of Principal at Baradene College. It is a true privilege to lead a school community that is guided by the core Sacred Heart values, which foster an environment of growth, integrity, and service. These values enable us to offer a truly holistic education, where students are encouraged to excel academically but also to develop as well-rounded individuals through a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Our outstanding staff are at the heart of this success, and I look forward to leading them to continue enhancing the rigorous programmes Baradene has to offer. We are proud of the calibre of young women who graduate from Baradene. They are intelligent and confident young women, with a strong moral compass, engendered by their faith. I am looking forward to building upon the rich legacy of excellence that has been established."

Alexandra is strongly supported by her husband Grant, and their three adult children who all attended Auckland Catholic secondary schools.

We are excited for the future under Alexandra’s leadership and look forward to working together as a community to build on the successes of the school. Please join me in welcoming her to her new role and in supporting her as we move forward together.

Cor unum,

Gill Chappell
Chair – Baradene College of the Sacred Heart

Edmund Lawler
Chair – Baradene College Limited