The word "assistant" is derived from the Latin word "assistentem" - describing an action in progress, referring to the act of standing by or attending, ready to help or provide support. The Latin word assistentem evolved into the French word assistant, eventually finding its way into English with the same core implication: one who supports, attends, and empowers.

At The National Gathering held at The Scots College, Bellevue Hill on Friday 6 June 2025, we came together not just as Executive Assistants - but as cathedral builders. Each of us contributing to something greater than ourselves.

The Story of Us (Belonging & Identity) was inspired by Owen Eastwood’s work on belonging. It reminded us that shared purpose, values, and storytelling create a strong collective identity. These voices - your voices, shaped something profound: A narrative that reflects our passion, our challenges, and our calling.

In this episode which, the management consultant suggests that due to a “lack of synergy and alignment” the Boss and Krystal complete a DISC profile to better understand each other.

After writing my initial article about email To Email or Not to Email - That is the question! I received a great deal of feedback from network members. So in modelling curiosity as a key character trait and one of our strategic learning aims, I decided to explore further, putting various questions to our network. Before long over a quarter of our collective responded to this opportunity to share their thoughts on email. The responses were really enlightening and this is a topic to explore further, as despite changes in communication and the ways schools manage emails, it is clear that our profession remains really dependent on email. Why so?

In education, our work moves in cycles - structured by a curriculum mapped out over four terms, each spanning roughly eight to ten weeks. Much like the seasons, each term carries its own energy, its own demands, and its own atmosphere. And just as no two seasons ever unfold the same way, each school year and each term brings a different texture, shaped by the person you support, the culture of your school, and the ever-evolving dynamics of your role.

The Boss comes back from his retreat and latest professional learning leadership seminar and is acting strangely. Krystal is confused and needs some guidance.

Email has become an essential part of modern life, with 2.7 million emails sent every second. Ray Tomlinson, the inventor of email in 1971, revolutionized communication, with the average person sending 71 emails daily. However, access to an Executive's inbox is a debated topic. Some Executive Assistants (EAs) do not have access to their executive’s email, despite the potential benefits, such as improving efficiency and understanding urgent tasks. Having access to an executive’s email allows better insight into their day and challenges, though it also doubles inbox traffic. Is email access crucial, important, or unnecessary in such roles?

Our erstwhile EA Krystal returns to work after a refreshing break, fresh challenges arise, and the Boss delivers a surprise.

Today, I’d like to share some insights and learnings as an Executive Assistant to an Associate Principal. These leadership learnings come from my journey in this role close now to four years. While shaped by my experiences, these learnings may resonate with others in a similar role.

In our last instalment, our erstwhile EA was confronting the cancellation of Christmas due to budget cuts, risk management policy and a strange delivery of 12 Christmas trees. In our final chapter for 2024, the Boss finally shows a softer side and expresses gratitude to his amazing EA and yes we learn our EA's name.

When I reflect on a fork in the road of my recent leadership journey, I realise what I thought at the time was the worst setback of my professional career was the best thing that ever happened for my personal growth. This article reflects upon lessons drawn from my leadership journey, from being informed that the job I loved was gone, to today, where the organisation I set up has been recognised as a leading national education service provider. This three-year journey, leading alongside a Senior Executive in a complex learning institution whilst setting up a national network for Executive Assistants has been remarkable. 

The last time we met our erstwhile EA Anonymous, the world of the school was seemingly crumbling before her eyes. But, our erstwhile EA is to the rescue. The Boss was in a bad mood after an early morning traffic incident, multiple complaints and an unrecognisable meeting in his calendar. Also he became allergic to the cat requiring an EpiPen injection. Lucky those compliance classes were up to date thanks to the instructor, the EA. Snuggles the Cat was adopted by a kind family rather than being sent to the Naughty Cats Home, but due to the Boss’s allergies is not allowed on campus. Everyone misses Snuggles, more than they miss the Boss when he is away. The dishwasher was finally unpacked, only to be filled and neglected the very next day despite the sign saying please empty the dishwasher.

Dr Steven Middleton and I recently shared our unique story ‘The Power of Partnership: Leading Through Change’ on the Reflections of School Leaders podcast, hosted by Aimee Presnall. We discussed navigating the complexities of school leadership through trust, collaboration and shared purpose as Associate Principal and Executive Assistant. This episode offers practical wisdom and inspiring stories of what's possible when leaders truly work together.

Throughout this year, a common topic of conversation within our EAs in Education network has been email access to our Senior Educational Leaders' inboxes. From these discussions, I've noticed that not everyone has this access, and it often leaves me wondering why that’s the case. Here are a few key points for the "team of two" to consider the importance of email access for Executive Assistants, how email sharing might enhance communication, fostering both efficiency and mutual respect, to build relational trust and ultimately a partnership that serves the school community effectively.

“I woke up, fell out of bed. Dragged a comb across my head.” A Day in the Life, The Beatles

The first chapter of “A day in the life…..by EA Anonymous” drew upon some extremely absurd situations that may confront those Executive Assistants who work in schools. Although fictional, it seems that many in the audience can relate to the experiences of this intrepid EA who navigates policies, a moody Boss and sticky school based situations.

So due to demand, here is the next phase, AFTER RECESS.

Connecting the Two: The transition from the 'arena' to the 'road less travelled' mirrors the Executive/Personal Assistant's progression from courageous action to thoughtful, strategic decision-making.

This is a first for me, after writing several more formal articles for our network I have tried something different.

I have drawn on some of my experiences and those that have been shared with me to try my hand at a fictional piece which tries to bring some laughter to you all about the life and times of an Executive Assistant in a school, navigating the complexities of relationships and the work that is part of the role.

All totally made up of course!

A recent research project, conducted by ‘EAs in Education’ founder Kristine Niven, within her network sought to explore the role of the Executive Assistant in school settings.

From both an academic and pragmatic perspective, scant investigation of the role is evident, in contrast to the extremely in-depth and expansive literature that exists upon educational leadership, educators and schools. An opportunity exists for further exploration of the role and its important place in the contemporary leadership, management of operations of Australian schools.

Likening the dynamic and interdependent relationship between an Executive Assistant (ea) and a Senior Educational Leader (sel) to a three-legged race, where ultimately ‘students are the winners’ as we head towards the finishing line!

EAs in Education Earns Prestigious Recognition in the 2024 The Educator Service Provider Awards. EAs in Education is delighted to announce its inclusion in the prestigious 2024 The Educator Service Provider Awards, a comprehensive roundup that highlights the best in the industry.