Leah Gilbert
Head of Sport
Leah Gilbert is a leading Performance and Wellbeing Specialist and the Founder of the SEAM Recovery Protocol—an innovative, evidence-based system reshaping how athletes and high performers approach recovery and overall wellbeing. With expertise in both the physical and psychological aspects of elite performance, Leah is known for her ability to help individuals achieve peak performance while maintaining long-term health and balance. Her work spans a range of elite sporting domains, including the NRL, Super Rugby, Olympic triathlon, and national-level swimming.
With a strong focus on junior athlete development and talent identification, Leah is widely recognised for her holistic approach and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of elite athletes. She is a frequent keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and consultant, and regularly contributes to sporting discussions as a panellist on ABC Newcastle. Leah also holds leadership roles including Female Delegate for NSWCIS on the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Council and Independent Director on the Hunter Junior Rugby League Board.
With a strong focus on junior athlete development and talent identification, Leah is widely recognised for her holistic approach and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of elite athletes. She is a frequent keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and consultant, and regularly contributes to sporting discussions as a panellist on ABC Newcastle. Leah also holds leadership roles including Female Delegate for NSWCIS on the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Council and Independent Director on the Hunter Junior Rugby League Board.
Andrew O’Connell
Head of CAPA
Andrew O’Connell joined Newcastle Grammar School in 2024 as the Head of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), bringing with him a wealth of experience in arts education and theatre direction. Prior to joining NGS, Andrew was Head of Creative Arts at The Armidale School, where he directed numerous school productions and managed The Hoskins Centre, a professional performing arts venue. His involvement in regional arts includes membership in the Arts North West On Tour network and close collaboration with touring organisations such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow and the Sydney Comedy Festival.
A passionate theatre practitioner, Andrew has trained with NIDA, the Howard Fine Acting Studio, Little Angel Theatre, and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. He is a regular attendee at national and international theatre festivals and has worked as a director, performer, and designer across community and independent theatre scenes, including the Sydney Fringe Festival. Andrew brings a dynamic and informed perspective to the CAPA faculty, fostering creativity, excellence, and a love of the arts among students.
A passionate theatre practitioner, Andrew has trained with NIDA, the Howard Fine Acting Studio, Little Angel Theatre, and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. He is a regular attendee at national and international theatre festivals and has worked as a director, performer, and designer across community and independent theatre scenes, including the Sydney Fringe Festival. Andrew brings a dynamic and informed perspective to the CAPA faculty, fostering creativity, excellence, and a love of the arts among students.
Sam Poolman
Foundation Officer and Head of Athlete Development
Sam Poolman brings elite athletic experience and leadership to her role as Head of Athlete Development at Newcastle Grammar School. She leads the Supporting Athlete Performance (SAP) program, guiding student-athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the field. A former professional netballer, Sam played 104 national league games with the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Giants Netball, captained Australia’s Fast5 team, and appeared in three grand finals, including a Premiership win with the Thunderbirds.
Sam’s impact extends beyond the court. She founded Aspire Netball to mentor young athletes and currently serves on the boards of Integrity Sport Australia and the Netball Players’ Association. She is also Assistant Coach of the Giants Academy, a commentator for Fox Sports, and an ambassador for the Confident Girls Foundation. Named Newcastle’s Young Citizen of the Year in 2021, Sam is passionate about empowering women and girls in sport. “I value the importance of setting good foundations,” she says, “which has led me to a long and successful career as an elite athlete, board member, brand ambassador, and businesswoman.”
Sam’s impact extends beyond the court. She founded Aspire Netball to mentor young athletes and currently serves on the boards of Integrity Sport Australia and the Netball Players’ Association. She is also Assistant Coach of the Giants Academy, a commentator for Fox Sports, and an ambassador for the Confident Girls Foundation. Named Newcastle’s Young Citizen of the Year in 2021, Sam is passionate about empowering women and girls in sport. “I value the importance of setting good foundations,” she says, “which has led me to a long and successful career as an elite athlete, board member, brand ambassador, and businesswoman.”
