Patricia Firth
Newcastle,NSW
Summary
Working as part of the school administration team, I provide operational support across Administration, Library, Science Laboratory and Food Technology within a busy secondary school. My role requires flexibility, organisation and the ability to respond to changing priorities while ensuring the smooth daily operation of multiple learning areas.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
School Administrative Officer
Whitebridge High School
01.2026 - Current
- Working as part of the school administration team, I provide operational support across Administration, Library, Science Laboratory and Food Technology within a busy secondary school. My role requires flexibility, organisation and the ability to respond to changing priorities while ensuring the smooth daily operation of multiple learning areas.
- Provide administrative support across a range of school operations, contributing to the efficient day-to-day running of the school.
- Prepare science practical resources, equipment and materials to support curriculum delivery while maintaining safe laboratory practices.
- Coordinate ingredients, equipment and classroom preparation for Food Technology practical lessons.
- Monitor stock levels, assist with ordering and maintain accurate inventory records across multiple faculties.
- Process library resources using the Oliver Library Management System, including accessioning, Z-cataloguing and stocktaking.
- Utilise Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Sentral, School Bytes and Edval to support administrative and faculty operations.
- Build positive working relationships with teachers, students and colleagues through professional, responsive and collaborative support.
- Consistently demonstrate initiative, adaptability and attention to detail while managing competing priorities within a dynamic school environment.
School Administrative Support
Hunter School of the Performing Arts
05.2024 - 12.2025
- Provided administrative and faculty support across Administration, Science Laboratory and Food Technology within a large secondary school. This role strengthened my organisational skills, ability to manage competing priorities and commitment to supporting quality teaching and learning.
- Supported teachers through the preparation of practical learning resources and classroom organisation.
- Assisted with Science Laboratory preparation, equipment management and safe work practices.
- Coordinated Food Technology ingredients, equipment and practical lesson preparation.
- Maintained stock levels and supported purchasing and ordering processes.
- Delivered professional administrative support while maintaining accurate records and responding to staff and student enquiries.
- Worked collaboratively with teachers and administration staff to ensure the smooth daily operation of the school.
- Contributed to a positive, organised and supportive learning environment for staff and students.
Owner / Manager
Lambton Nextra Newsagency & Australia Post
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Established and successfully managed a retail business from the ground up, developing the administrative, financial and operational systems required to support a successful and customer-focused business. This experience strengthened my leadership, organisational and financial management skills while demonstrating initiative, accountability and the ability to build effective systems.
- Established all administrative, financial and operational systems from business commencement.
- Managed payroll, banking, budgeting, accounts, reconciliations and financial reporting.
- Coordinated purchasing, inventory management and supplier relationships.
- Recruited, trained and supervised staff while fostering a positive team culture.
- Maintained high standards of customer service and built strong relationships with customers and suppliers.
- Managed competing priorities while ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation of the business.
- Developed strong organisational, problem-solving and leadership skills that continue to support my work within school administration.
Lead Educator
Lambton Early Learning Centre
01.2006 - 01.2018
- Supported children's learning and development through the delivery of engaging educational programs while building positive relationships with families and colleagues within a collaborative team environment.
- Planned and implemented educational programs that supported children's learning and development.
- Fostered positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
- Maintained safe, inclusive and engaging learning environments.
- Monitored children's progress and communicated effectively with families.
- Worked collaboratively within a professional team to deliver high-quality early childhood education.
Education
Diploma - Early Childhood Education
Diploma of Early Childhood Education
Skills
- School Administration Systems
- Microsoft Office
- Google Workspace
- Sentral
- School Bytes
- Edval
- Oliver Library Management System
- Library Services
- Accessioning
- Z-Cataloguing
- Stocktaking
- Resource Processing
- Faculty Support
- Science Laboratory Support
- Food Technology Support
- Resource Preparation
- Ordering and Inventory Management
- Safe Chemical Storage Practices
Certification
- Current Working With Children Check
- Current First Aid Certificate
Timeline
School Administrative Officer
Whitebridge High School
01.2026 - Current
School Administrative Support
Hunter School of the Performing Arts
05.2024 - 12.2025
Owner / Manager
Lambton Nextra Newsagency & Australia Post
01.2018 - 01.2024
Lead Educator
Lambton Early Learning Centre
01.2006 - 01.2018
Diploma - Early Childhood Education
Diploma of Early Childhood Education