School mourns after teacher’s freak death

A much-loved former principal has tragically lost his life in a freak accident at a school in Melbourne’s west.

Paul Hogan, 61, was collecting balls from the roof of St Margaret’s Primary School in Spotswood when he fell 3m onto the concrete ground about 2.30pm on Thursday.

Mr Hogan suffered critical head injuries and was rushed to hospital, but died on Friday.

It is understood he was working as a temporary teacher at the school when the incident occurred.

Mr Hogan has been remembered as a respected teacher who loved to laugh and have fun by those who knew him.

In a letter sent to families, the school expressed its deepest sympathies outlining that Mr Hogan had become the principal at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Sunbury in 2009.

In 2016, he went onto become the principal at St Mary’s Primary School in Ascot Vale until he retired in 2022, but continued working as a part-time and casual relief teacher.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) executive director Dr Edward Simons said the school community was “deeply saddened” by Mr Hogan’s death.

“Paul was a highly regarded educator and leader in the Catholic school system across his 36-year career,” he said.

“We extend our sincere condolences to Paul’s family, friends and colleagues, and we hold all of those impacted in our hearts and prayers.

“Paul was a friend and mentor to many in our MACS community and he will be dearly missed.

“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.”

St Therese’s Primary School principal Michael Di Nuzzo wrote to the school community saying Paul had positively impacted so many who witnessed his wonderful contribution to MACS schools over so many years.

Worksafe is investigating.