Our Ambassadors
Catherine Ratcliffe
Baradene Director of Sport
"Baradene College is about to enter an exciting new era for Sport. The new, state-of-the-art Gymnasium Complex will provide Baradene students with fresh opportunities to become involved in a more diverse range of activities than were previously available, as well as enhancing the existing programmes in place.
Our students and the Baradene community will directly benefit from the new facility as the school will offer on-site, flexible and expansive spaces for a wider variety of sports trainings, Physical Education classes, fitness programmes, inter-school competitions, and extra-curricular activities.
This is an amazing opportunity to further develop our goal of engaging our students and finding a sport or physical activity to meet their individual need."
Portia Bing
CLASS OF 2010
2014 & 2022 Commonwealth Games Athlete
"A new school gym will be a space where young minds foster resilience, where they learn to overcome obstacles, and where they develop the confidence to take on life's challenges."
Elyse Tse
CLASS OF 2021
Studying on US University Tennis Scholarship
"In school, sport and fitness guided me through challenges, helping me maintain a healthy body and sharp mind."
Karin
Adelinger-Smith
CLASS OF 1988
Sport New Zealand, Group National Partnership Manager
"It's an exciting space and opportunity for the girls to come together, not only for competitive sport, but also for their own fitness, recreation and health and wellbeing."
Havana Hopman
CLASS OF 2021
Senior International Rhythmic Gymnast for New Zealand
"I personally believe that having access and getting active and participating in sports was a major benefit to me and all Baradene students' health and wellbeing."
Fran Jonas
CLASS OF 2021
NZ White Ferns Cricketer
"I appreciated that sport was valued at Baradene as I really believe it contributes to health and wellbeing and is a positive way to interact with peers."
Leah Hankey
CLASS OF 2012
Recent Baradene PE & Health Teacher
"The new gym complex is going to support students in their overall wellbeing, from their physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing."
Erin Tolhurst
CLASS OF 2003
NZ Rowing Team
(2003-2008)
"While rowing races take place on the water, we did a lot of land based training in the gym and on the rowing machines. A new school gymnasium which facilitates this type of training and so much more, will ensure that many more students in years to come will have the same opportunities that I did."
Prue Catton
CLASS OF 2021
NZ representative Cricketer
"At Baradene, I played a wide variety of sports. This ensured I was always fit and on the go. This led to learning how to be more organised as I had to balance trainings and games with my studies."
Kate Goswell
CLASS OF 2005
Physiotherapist and 2002 Commonwealth Games Artistic Gymnast
"As an elite athlete, it would've been immensely helpful to have a fitness centre and a space where I could train in the mornings. I know that this will be helpful to those up-and-coming athletes that are students at Baradene today."
Lauren Arndt
CLASS OF 1990
Current Baradene PE & Health Teacher and Year 10 Dean
"I cannot wait for the first game to be played inside our new gym, whether it's Basketball, Netball, Volleyball...it's going to be the hub of our school."