Teacher tragically dies after falling from school roof

A 61-year-old teacher was retrieving balls from a school roof when he fell through a skylight more than three metres from the ground.

A beloved school teacher has sadly passed away after a tragic accident saw him fall three metres through a skylight while attempting to retrieve balls from the roof.

As reported by News.com.au, the man was identified as former principal Paul Hogan. It is understood that Hogan was working as a temporary teacher and not in a full-time role when the incident occurred.

The incident happened as Hogan was collecting sporting balls from the roof of St Margaret’s Primary School in Spotswood, Melbourne. Hogan fell from the roof onto the concrete ground at around 2:30pm last Thursday (27 June).

Hogan suffered critical head injuries and was rushed to hospital. He sadly passed away the following day.

In a letter sent to families of the students enrolled, the school expressed its deepest sympathies, outlining the esteemed career that Hogan had throughout the Melbourne area.

He was named as principal at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Sunbury in 2009. Then, in 2016, he went on to become the principal at St Mary’s Primary School in Ascot Vale, right up until he retired in 2022, yet he continued to push forward working as a part-time and casual relief teacher, which is what he was doing when the incident occurred.

St Therese’s Primary School principal, Michael Di Nuzzo, wrote to the school community, saying Paul had positively impacted so many who were able to witness his fantastic contribution to Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) throughout the years.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools executive director Dr Edward Simons said the school community as a whole was “deeply saddened” over the passing of Hogan.

“Paul was a highly regarded educator and leader in the Catholic school system across his 36-year career. We extend our sincere condolences to Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues, and we hold all of those impacted in our hearts and prayers,” Simons said.

“Appropriately, at a time like this, MACS has activated and offered specialist support services for Paul’s family, our many staff and students and their families who may be impacted.”

WorkSafe is investigating the incident, as this death is the 23rd confirmed workplace fatality for 2024. There were 41 work-related deaths at the same time last year.

Going forward will be a difficult path for students and teachers alike, who no doubt will be shaken by the incident occurring on school grounds. For the colleagues of Hogan who perhaps got to know him on a personal level, managing the grief of his passing at the very workplace where the incident happened is a difficult task at best.

As previously reported on HR Leader, here are some possible strategies that can be used to help deal with the passing of a co-worker:

• Share your feelings: Your other co-workers may be experiencing the same emotions you are. Mutual support can help everyone get through the grieving process.
• Take advantage of employee assistance programs: Experienced counsellors can offer support and structure to help individuals and groups come to terms with a loss and make appropriate plans for memorials and gestures of condolences to family members.
• Plan ahead: If you are a manager, work with your human resources specialists to establish protocols for responding to a worker’s death. Issues to consider include sharing information, handling personal effects, allowing time off for funerals and reassigning space or equipment.

Kace O'Neill

Kace O'Neill is a Graduate Journalist for HR Leader. Kace studied Media Communications and Maori studies at the University of Otago, he has a passion for sports and storytelling.