Elida McConachie
St Albans,Herts
Summary
Experienced in school administration with a strong focus on diary and event management, parent and staff communication, and digital diary management. Proficient in MS Office and Canva, alongside expertise in database and records management, meeting coordination, and minute-taking. Skilled in social media and newsletter creation, with a proactive attitude towards cloud-based technology for efficient general administration. Committed to enhancing organisational processes through effective communication and innovative solutions.
Organised and dependable PA with 10 years of experience in schools. Successful at managing multiple priorities with positive attitude. Willing to take on greater responsibilities to meet team goals. Dedicated and hardworking with a creative drive to deliver excellence. Tactical team builder with strong background in customer service.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
PA to Head of Prep School
St Columba’s Preparatory School
St Albans, UK
09.2021 - 06.2025
- Primary contact for parents, staff, and visitors through phone, email, and in-person interactions.
- Manage Head’s diary and all school correspondence.
- Responsible for coordinating school trips and purchases while liaising with external providers for cost-effective solutions.
- Maintaining the class database.
- I launched and manage the Prep School's Instagram account and online newsletters using CANVA, increasing engagement significantly.
- Organising school events such as Open Mornings, Stay and Plays and Prize Giving.
- Contributed to wider school events and PTA initiatives, including fundraising activities.
- Maintain high standards of professionalism, discretion, and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
- Ensured timely responses to emails to enhance communication flow.
- Participated in team meetings for insightful contributions and idea generation.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by implementing strict file management systems.
- Facilitate the Open Mornings and Stay and Play events.
- Administrative support for the Leadership Team
- Manage all staff external training
- Coordinate and secure meetings for management teams, distributing relevant resources ahead of time.
- Take detailed, accurate meeting minutes, collating and promptly distributing to relevant staff for swift action.
- Receive and process staff business expenses, maintaining excellent cash flow and budget management.
- Receive requests for meetings and appointments, updated calendar and organised spaces and materials.
- Created and maintained a 'week ahead' schedule for parents.
- Effectively managing high pressure situations and handling last minute requests.
Senior School Secretary
St Columba’s College (Senior School)
St Albans, UK
11.2015 - 09.2021
- Provided administrative support including minute-taking, report writing, and spreadsheet management.
- Served as main contact for visitors and parents in a busy office environment.
- Assisted with Sixth Form events, admissions interviews, and assessment days.
- Supported Italian language speaking exams for GCSE students.
- Lesson Monitor using SIMS
Assistant Manager
Sweaty Betty
St Albans, UK
05.2013 - 10.2015
- Oversaw the opening of the new store in St Albans.
- Managed a team of eight staff including scheduling, sales analysis, and customer service.
- Organised community outreach classes and resolved customer queries and complaints efficiently.
Personal Assistant to the Director
Pedal and Co Ltd
St Albans, UK
01.2011 - 05.2013
- Supported the Director with sales reporting and supplier communication.
- Organised international exhibitions and company catering/events.
Sales Executive
Queensbury Media Ltd
St Albans, UK
03.2003 - 12.2010
- Coordinated schedules for sports event filming and liaised with agents and TV companies.
Business Travel Consultant
Carlson Wagonlit Business Travel
Potters Bar
01.1994 - 01.1996
- Arranged travel and accommodation logistics for major corporate clients including Fiat and British Gas.
Education
CSEs - English, Mathematics, French, Geography
Francis Bacon School
09.1982 - 09.1986
BTEC - Travel and Tourism (including Travel Law)
De Havilland College
CELI Impact A - Italian Language and Culture
L’Università per Stranieri di Perugia
Skills
- Diary & Event Management
- School Administration
- Parent & Staff Communication
- Experience with cloud-based technology
- Digital diary organisation
- Proactive attitude
- General administration
- Meeting coordination
- Social Media & Newsletter Creation
- Database & Records Management
- Minute-Taking & Correspondence
- Proficient in MS Office
- Proficient in Google Workspace
Custom
- Herts for Learning, Preparing for OFSTED, 07/15
- Herts for Learning, Safeguarding Children, 06/15
- Herts for Learning, Exclusion Training, 02/15
- Herts for Learning, Assessment for Learning, 12/15
- Excel Training, Microsoft Excel Skills, 07/19
Affiliations
- Strength fitness and Pilates as well as road cycling. I have a wonderful family so we spend most weekends visiting my daughters.
Languages
Italian
Fluent
Timeline
PA to Head of Prep School
St Columba’s Preparatory School
09.2021 - 06.2025
Senior School Secretary
St Columba’s College (Senior School)
11.2015 - 09.2021
Assistant Manager
Sweaty Betty
05.2013 - 10.2015
Personal Assistant to the Director
Pedal and Co Ltd
01.2011 - 05.2013
Sales Executive
Queensbury Media Ltd
03.2003 - 12.2010
Business Travel Consultant
Carlson Wagonlit Business Travel
01.1994 - 01.1996
CSEs - English, Mathematics, French, Geography
Francis Bacon School
09.1982 - 09.1986
CELI Impact A - Italian Language and Culture
L’Università per Stranieri di Perugia
BTEC - Travel and Tourism (including Travel Law)
De Havilland College
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