For 2018 School Captain Leah Tregier (Simmons), school was a place bursting with opportunities, and she embraced them all. From performing in musicals like Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast, to leading chapel music and stepping into leadership roles, Leah made the most of her time at SPCC. When we recently caught up with her, she shared how those years were shaped by inspiring teachers, meaningful experiences, and memories that continue to impact her today.

After graduation, Leah’s journey took some unexpected and deeply personal turns. The sudden passing of her mum in 2020 marked a season of profound grief, but it also became the catalyst for discovering her voice through poetry and a deep passion for supporting others navigating loss. What began as a private outlet eventually grew into a public platform with a connected online community, a published poetry collection, and a growing voice as a grief advocate and speaker.

Now a university graduate with a degree in Writing and Publishing, Leah is using her story, experience, and words to help others feel seen and supported in one of life’s hardest seasons. She shared with us about her passion for educating others on how to better walk with those who grieve, and her reflections on her post-graduation journey.

I was at SPCC Newcastle from…Narnia in 2004, then Kinder in 2006 to 2018

I’m currently… living with my husband Chris on a beautiful property in Armidale, creating content for Afterburner, a high-performance coaching company led by Fighter Pilots and military aviators. We only recently moved from Newcastle to Armidale, and we are enjoying this slower pace of life.

At school I… put my hand up for every opportunity I could. I was involved in extracurriculars, excursions, camps, chapel band and choir. I loved performing in the musicals and took part in every one I could, with Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast standing out, where I got to play the knife. Getting to perform at Civic with friends and connect with teachers outside the classroom was such a highlight.

Leadership was also a big part of my journey. I served as Middle School Vice-Captain and then as Senior School Captain. I put my hand up for leadership because I wanted to give back to a school that had given me so much. It was an incredible environment to learn and grow, and the experience of working with Jack Hamilton and being supported by Mr Fahey was very special.

My best memory of SPCC... Definitely the Year 8 sailing trip. Spending three days on a boat, learning new skills, and then having the chance to take the helm and sail into the harbour on the final day was unforgettable. Having my mum there made it even more special, it’s a memory I’ll always treasure.

A staff member that particularly impacted me was… Miss Urquhart, my Year 6 teacher. We were her first class out of uni, and she brought so much fun and energy to our learning. She made us feel like more than just students—like it was a privilege for her to teach us. I also really appreciated Ms Willmot (now Mrs Howard), who was my Year 10 homeroom teacher. We were her first group too, and she was always encouraging, took the time to really see us, and made sure we felt supported. Since graduating, it’s been so special to reconnect with teachers on a different level.

When I left school, I wanted to… I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do and felt a bit lost. I started working as a travel agent but quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit for me. I then spent two years focusing on my mental health and personal growth. It was at the end of that season that I received the life-changing news about my mum’s aneurism.

Today I’m motivated/inspired by… Nature. And by the way my mum lived her life. She was so full of creativity, kindness, and generosity, and that continues to encourage me daily. She was a talented writer and watercolour artist, and I try to honour with how I live.

I never dreamed I would… write a book or even go to university. I worked hard for an ATAR thinking it would open doors, but at the time I had no clear direction. My book ‘Midnight Blooms & Mourning Dew: A Poetry Collection on Grief’ came out in May 2024.

I’m most proud of… the Instagram community I’ve created through The Soft Word. I never imagined it would grow the way it has. It’s taken courage to put myself out there and share my story, but it has been such a meaningful way to connect with others and help educate around grief.

In the future I’d like to… I would like to start my own podcast. This would be a space where others can share their stories and feel seen, just like I’ve experienced through The Soft Word community. I’d love to set it up thoughtfully, ideally recording in person to foster genuine conversations. I’m also working on a children’s book as a grief resource to help young kids understand and navigate loss. It’s such a complex topic with very few resources available, and my hope is to publish it through a publishing house to reach as many families as possible.

The best piece of advice I ever received... Early on my grief journey someone told me there is no timeline for grief. Society puts so much pressure on moving your grief onto the timeline that they are comfortable with. This gave me the space and grace to move at the pace I needed and took of pressure to take off the uneducated expectations around grief. That is why I am passionate about educating people on the toll it takes on the mind and body.

Thank you Leah for reflecting so honestly and openly with the Alumni community.