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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.