Throughout history, the most powerful shifts haven’t happened in isolation — they’ve happened when people gathered. From ancient forums to modern summits, from campfires to parliaments, gatherings have always sparked connection, ideas, influence, and change. Next year, we honour that legacy in the most fitting place of all — our nation’s capital.

In schools, culture isn’t just set by leaders in the spotlight - it’s shaped every day by those who support, connect, and keep everything running smoothly. Executive Assistants are at the heart of this.

In this episode we pick up where we left off, featuring Krystal, our resilient, sharp-witted EA at the wonderfully chaotic St Peaches College and her newly retired, ever-eccentric Boss.

I’ve always loved this quote - not just for its optimism, but for what it represents in the context of growth. Whether in our professional lives, our personal development, or within an educational setting, this simple metaphor holds immense truth.

Thursday 20 November was World Philosophy Day - a reminder that ancient wisdom still shapes modern lives. Over recent years, I’ve been increasingly drawn to Stoicism. If you haven’t read Ryan Holiday, today is the perfect day to begin. His work beautifully links ancient philosophy to modern leadership and life - and many of these ideas quietly guide the work of EAs in Education.

“The results of this meta-analysis make it difficult to argue against teaching love, compassion, responsibility, honesty, and integrity in the schools.” (Jeynes, 2017)

The Power of Stories, Symbols and Ceremonies in saying Goodbye!

As my network would appreciate, I love working in schools. They are such dynamic places and the sense of purpose and mission in the service of others, especially young people at this time of year is both palpable and inspiring.

Picture this.

You’re backstage at a school event, the hum of anticipation filling the air, the lights glowing just beyond the curtain, the familiar rhythm of names, awards, applause. You’re in the quiet chaos of the wings, hands full, mind racing through the checklist, only you know by heart.

The EAs in Education online 2026 Membership Program is now here! All webinar workshops blend leadership, strategy, wellbeing, communication, and technology - designed to elevate the EA’s role from operational support to strategic leadership within schools.

There’s a kind of professional exchange that only happens when you get great people in the same room. Melbourne EAs in Education came together for an evening of connection, learning, and shared insights.

Join us for The Gathering:The Sequel, our second annual gathering of Executive, Personal and Administrative professionals working within education.

Have you seen the 1996 Stawell Gift Women’s 400m Final? If not, I highly recommend it. Much like Cathy Freeman’s unforgettable Olympic journey, your path is uniquely yours.

The other day I spotted a book on my boss’s bookshelf and immediately recognised the author, Millikan, whose work I had recently referenced in a literature review. It reminded me just how expansive the literature is on educational leadership is, however very few studies explore the leadership of non-teaching staff.

Sometimes, as an EA, it feels like my day is nothing but calendars - moving meetings, rescheduling appointments, protecting small blocks of time. It could be easy to think it’s just administration. But I’ve come to realise it’s much more than that..

Ever felt caught between what was and what’s next? That in-between space has a name: Liminality. It’s the moment when one chapter is closing, but the next hasn’t yet begun. It can be a strange and challenging place to stand.

As Founder of EAs in Education, through both my community experience and literature research, I’ve come to realise that many Executive Assistants working in education face ambiguous role descriptions.

The Contagian Effect is witnessing others experience belonging can positively influence our own sense of connection and wellbeing.

As Executive Assistants in education, our words carry weight - not just in what we say, but in how we say it. In the busiest moments, when tension runs high and decisions are made quickly, kindness isn’t a luxury - it’s a leadership choice.

'The Story of Us' was introduced to our attendees at the Elevating EAs in Education National Gathering, inspired by the book ‘Belonging’ by Owen Eastwood.
This narrative reminded us that shared purpose, values, and storytelling created a strong collective identity.

I was asked a question on the panel at The Gathering by an attendee for my advice on building school culture. It’s a powerful question and one that goes to the heart of why we do what we do.