Daniel Kozey
Director of Co-curricular
Mr Kozey holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney and worked in Sydney prior to moving to Newcastle in 2018. He was responsible for the review of risk management procedures at NGS, and currently sits on the Uniform and Workplace Health and Safety committees and coordinates the Workplace Learning program at NGS. Mr Kozey currently holds the position of Debating Chair and Coordinator at the Heads of Independent Co-educational Schools (HICES). He is responsible for the design, management and daily operations of this state-wide debating competition involving nearly 50 schools, and 280 teams.
In 2019, he designed the NGS Supporting Athlete Performance (SAP) program to ensure students competing at a high level athletically are supported to perform academically. NGS SAP has since attracted a number of emerging athletes and has contributed greatly to the recent sporting success of NGS teams. Mr Kozey is passionate about providing NGS students with outstanding co-curricular opportunities to flourish outside the classroom. In 2022, he was was awarded one of nine Australian Education Awards for Excellence for his innovative approach to co-curricular education. Recently, Mr Kozey presented to an Australasian Round Square forum on the design of a meaningful co-curricular program.
In 2019, he designed the NGS Supporting Athlete Performance (SAP) program to ensure students competing at a high level athletically are supported to perform academically. NGS SAP has since attracted a number of emerging athletes and has contributed greatly to the recent sporting success of NGS teams. Mr Kozey is passionate about providing NGS students with outstanding co-curricular opportunities to flourish outside the classroom. In 2022, he was was awarded one of nine Australian Education Awards for Excellence for his innovative approach to co-curricular education. Recently, Mr Kozey presented to an Australasian Round Square forum on the design of a meaningful co-curricular program.
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.
Jack Hanley
Head Rowing Coach
Jack Hanley brings extensive high-performance rowing experience and coaching expertise to his role as Head Rowing Coach at Newcastle Grammar School. Since joining the school, Jack has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the rowing program, contributing to the development of a structured, athlete-centred approach. His deep understanding of elite training environments and long-term athlete development has helped shape a program that values both performance and participation. With a strong emphasis on technical excellence, Jack has elevated the quality of coaching across the board, mentoring both students and fellow coaches while fostering a team culture built on accountability, resilience, and camaraderie.
Prior to joining NGS, Jack held senior coaching roles at leading Sydney schools and has earned multiple representative coaching appointments, including as NSW State Team Coach from 2019 to 2023. He was also appointed to the Australian Rowing Team as U21 Eight and Quad Coach, working closely with emerging national-level athletes. This wealth of experience has enabled Jack to align the NGS rowing program with broader performance frameworks, providing students with clear pathways toward representative honours and long-term success. Through his professional networks and collaborative leadership style, he has expanded development opportunities for students and raised the profile of NGS within the competitive rowing community. Above all, Jack is dedicated to instilling a genuine love of the sport in every student. His calm and focused coaching approach, coupled with a deep respect for individual learning, makes him a highly valued member of the NGS Co-curricular team.
Prior to joining NGS, Jack held senior coaching roles at leading Sydney schools and has earned multiple representative coaching appointments, including as NSW State Team Coach from 2019 to 2023. He was also appointed to the Australian Rowing Team as U21 Eight and Quad Coach, working closely with emerging national-level athletes. This wealth of experience has enabled Jack to align the NGS rowing program with broader performance frameworks, providing students with clear pathways toward representative honours and long-term success. Through his professional networks and collaborative leadership style, he has expanded development opportunities for students and raised the profile of NGS within the competitive rowing community. Above all, Jack is dedicated to instilling a genuine love of the sport in every student. His calm and focused coaching approach, coupled with a deep respect for individual learning, makes him a highly valued member of the NGS Co-curricular team.
Cameron Logan
Primary Sports Coordinator
Cameron Logan is a passionate educator with a strong background in physical education and sport development. He joined Newcastle Grammar School in 2020, bringing with him a wealth of experience from teaching roles in London, Central NSW and the Hunter region.
Cameron believes in the power of physical education to energise, excite, and engage students. He is dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments that foster enthusiasm for movement, teamwork, and personal growth—both in the classroom and on the field.
At NGS, Cameron coordinates a wide range of sporting experiences designed to give students a broad and well-rounded appreciation of physical activity and is passionate about helping students explore their individual interests and potential in sport. Additionally, he plans to grow NGS’s co-curricular sport offerings by entering more teams into local social competitions.
Beyond the classroom, Cameron plays an active role in representative sport by coordinating HRIS netball and cricket gala days, convenes NSWCIS Touch Football teams, and has been appointed Assistant Coach for the NSWCIS Rugby League team.
Cameron’s commitment to student development, broad sporting expertise, and enthusiasm for physical education make him a valued member in the NGS community.
Cameron believes in the power of physical education to energise, excite, and engage students. He is dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments that foster enthusiasm for movement, teamwork, and personal growth—both in the classroom and on the field.
At NGS, Cameron coordinates a wide range of sporting experiences designed to give students a broad and well-rounded appreciation of physical activity and is passionate about helping students explore their individual interests and potential in sport. Additionally, he plans to grow NGS’s co-curricular sport offerings by entering more teams into local social competitions.
Beyond the classroom, Cameron plays an active role in representative sport by coordinating HRIS netball and cricket gala days, convenes NSWCIS Touch Football teams, and has been appointed Assistant Coach for the NSWCIS Rugby League team.
Cameron’s commitment to student development, broad sporting expertise, and enthusiasm for physical education make him a valued member in the NGS community.
Jenny MacQueen
Primary Co-Curricular Music & Instrumental Programs Coordinator
Jenny MacQueen is a passionate and accomplished music educator, conductor, and string specialist with a career spanning a wide range of educational and performance settings. Her expertise in instrumental music and ensemble leadership has made her a key figure in the development of string programs across NSW.
Before joining Newcastle Grammar School in 2016 as the Coordinator of Strings (K–12) Jenny taught viola and violin and conducted ensembles at numerous selective public and independent schools. Her conducting highlights include leading representative ensembles for prestigious organisations such as Sydney Youth Orchestras and the NSW Department.
Initially focusing on developing the Primary Instrumental Program for Years 3 and 4, which expanded to include Years 5 and 6, she has consistently supported string students across all year levels and co-curricular ensembles, fostering a strong culture of musical excellence and enriching the School’s music offerings.
Now in her role as Primary Co-Curricular Music & Instrumental Programs Coordinator, Jenny is committed to providing every student at NGS with high-quality, diverse experiences in instrumental music. She values the strong support and freedom to specialise in her field—an opportunity she considers a rare and meaningful gift in education.
Before joining Newcastle Grammar School in 2016 as the Coordinator of Strings (K–12) Jenny taught viola and violin and conducted ensembles at numerous selective public and independent schools. Her conducting highlights include leading representative ensembles for prestigious organisations such as Sydney Youth Orchestras and the NSW Department.
Initially focusing on developing the Primary Instrumental Program for Years 3 and 4, which expanded to include Years 5 and 6, she has consistently supported string students across all year levels and co-curricular ensembles, fostering a strong culture of musical excellence and enriching the School’s music offerings.
Now in her role as Primary Co-Curricular Music & Instrumental Programs Coordinator, Jenny is committed to providing every student at NGS with high-quality, diverse experiences in instrumental music. She values the strong support and freedom to specialise in her field—an opportunity she considers a rare and meaningful gift in education.
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
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.”
Brad Smith
Head of Sport and Outdoor Adventure
Brad Smith is a highly respected figure in Australian rowing, known for his leadership, athlete development expertise, and commitment to fostering high performance across all levels of the sport.
Prior to joining Newcastle Grammar School, Brad served as Club Captain and Head Coach at Glebe Rowing Club and Rowing Manager at a Sydney School.
Brad’s coaching philosophy centres on identifying talent early and creating clear pathways for athletes to reach elite levels enabling numerous junior and open athletes to compete at state and national championships and achieving outstanding results.
Brad is currently the Head of Sport and Outdoor Adventure at NGS, where he leads the development of a diverse and dynamic co-curricular program. This includes rowing, mountain biking, snow sports, outdoor adventure camps, and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. His focus is on building a cohesive coaching framework and enriching student experiences through sport and outdoor education.
One of Brad’s notable achievements includes leading Newcastle Grammar School to victory in the 2025 Central Districts Rowing Association Point Score, a testament to his strategic vision and coaching excellence at NGS.
Prior to joining Newcastle Grammar School, Brad served as Club Captain and Head Coach at Glebe Rowing Club and Rowing Manager at a Sydney School.
Brad’s coaching philosophy centres on identifying talent early and creating clear pathways for athletes to reach elite levels enabling numerous junior and open athletes to compete at state and national championships and achieving outstanding results.
Brad is currently the Head of Sport and Outdoor Adventure at NGS, where he leads the development of a diverse and dynamic co-curricular program. This includes rowing, mountain biking, snow sports, outdoor adventure camps, and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. His focus is on building a cohesive coaching framework and enriching student experiences through sport and outdoor education.
One of Brad’s notable achievements includes leading Newcastle Grammar School to victory in the 2025 Central Districts Rowing Association Point Score, a testament to his strategic vision and coaching excellence at NGS.
Ryan Wood
PDHPE K-6
Ryan Wood is a passionate and innovative educator who has been part of Newcastle Grammar School since 2015. Beginning his journey as a classroom teacher, he soon transitioned into the role of PDHPE Teacher, where he continues to inspire students through engaging and meaningful physical education experiences. Ryan finds great reward in teaching PE, valuing the joy and confidence students gain through movement, play, and physical learning. He is dedicated to helping students develop a lifelong love for physical activity and takes pride in designing creative opportunities that allow them to explore diverse movement skills, apply them in new and exciting games, and build a solid foundation in sport and physical wellbeing.
Looking ahead, Ryan is focused on several important initiatives that support student development and school values. These include deepening the integration of Physical Education with the NGS RISE values, building a strong and positive culture around representative sport, and fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for girls’ sport. His lifelong involvement in community sport has helped forge valuable connections between local clubs and student participation at NGS, enriching opportunities for engagement beyond the classroom. With a teaching philosophy grounded in fun, teamwork, and character development, Ryan continues to be a highly valued contributor to the school’s co-curricular life, promoting not just physical skills, but confidence, camaraderie, and personal growth in every student he teaches.
Looking ahead, Ryan is focused on several important initiatives that support student development and school values. These include deepening the integration of Physical Education with the NGS RISE values, building a strong and positive culture around representative sport, and fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for girls’ sport. His lifelong involvement in community sport has helped forge valuable connections between local clubs and student participation at NGS, enriching opportunities for engagement beyond the classroom. With a teaching philosophy grounded in fun, teamwork, and character development, Ryan continues to be a highly valued contributor to the school’s co-curricular life, promoting not just physical skills, but confidence, camaraderie, and personal growth in every student he teaches.
