Sheilagh Fitzgerald

Unfortunately, our 2021 Alumnae Meritae Event could not proceed due to COVID restrictions. While we could not be in person to celebrate our award recipient, it gives us great pleasure to talk about her. Our annual Meritae Award allows us to recognise an Alumnae who has had the courage to take on significant challenges, shown integrity, and constantly strives for excellence in their career while embracing the philosophy of the Sacred Heart in their lives.

Our recipient for 2021 was Sheilagh Fitzgerald, and she demonstrates all these characteristics in a humble manner. Sheilagh attended Baradene from 1963 until 1968 as a boarder, as were her two sisters. This connection to Baradene continued with Sheilagh’s two daughters attending as well. 

Sheilagh has been a staff member of St Joseph's Otahuhu for over 30 years. Sheilagh's dedication to her job and love for the children is legendary. In her work, she brings to the forefront the words of St Madeleine Sophie Barat "Be humble, be simple, and bring joy to others". She is encouraging to those around her, always positive, generous, and committed to all that she does. She has given her professional life to teaching in a low-decile schools. Out of her own resources, she has provided children with beach holidays, picnics, and other opportunities they would never otherwise be able to experience. Thank you, Sheilagh, for helping those around you and sharing the values and the ethos of Sacred Heart.