School support worker secures significant settlement after being assaulted while protecting a student A school administration worker who was assaulted by a group of students while stepping in to protect a young person has secured a six-figure settlement, following years of physical and psychological trauma caused by the attack. Anna Pengelly, 62, was working in administration at Tarneit Senior College in Melbourne’s west when a confrontation broke out in the school’s front office in August 2023. When Ms Pengelly moved to intervene and protect a student, she was knocked to the ground and assaulted, sustaining blows that included two strikes to the head. Three teachers were also caught up in the incident, which was captured on CCTV. According to court documents, Ms Pengelly was working in the administration office when she noticed a female student sitting in the foyer at around 3.30pm. A large group of students moved towards the student, and when Ms Pengelly directed them to leave, they turned on her. Police arrested five teenagers at the scene. A life-altering injury Joseph Ridley, Principal Lawyer at Arnold Thomas & Becker, said the assault left Ms Pengelly with a traumatic shoulder injury that required surgery. Complications from the operation resulted in neuropathy, bruising, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder and ongoing sleep disturbance. Ms Pengelly has been unable to return to substantial employment since her surgery in January 2024 and continues to experience a loss of income and earning capacity. Her claim alleged that the Department of Education failed to adequately protect staff despite foreseeable risks of violence. Among the allegations were that the Department failed to warn her of the risk, failed to communicate an existing safety plan relating to a student, failed to provide adequate security, failed to conduct appropriate risk assessments, and failed to provide a safe system of work. The matter was listed to be heard in the County Court of Victoria and settled shortly before trial. “The right to return home safely” Mr Ridley said the case raised broader questions about the safety of teachers and school support staff across Victoria. “Every person who goes to work in a school has the right to expect they will return home safely,” he said. “No teacher, receptionist, administration officer or education support worker should have to fear being assaulted while simply doing their job.” He noted that support staff are often overlooked, despite frequently finding themselves on the frontline of volatile situations. “Administration staff are frequently the first to respond when incidents unfold,” he said. “They deserve the same level of protection, planning and support as every other member of the school community.” Mr Ridley said the consequences of workplace violence could extend well beyond the day of an incident. “The injuries suffered by our client are alleged to have fundamentally changed her life,” he said. “Physical injuries can heal, but the psychological effects of workplace violence can persist for years. “This case is also about accountability. Where risks are known, employers have a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to protect their workers.” He said he hoped the matter would prompt a greater focus on staff safety in schools. “If these proceedings lead to stronger protections for education workers across Victoria, then some good may come from what our client says she has endured,” he said. The response at the time Following the incident, Tarneit Senior College Principal Shane Cole-Hayhow wrote to students and parents to reassure the school community. “I want to reassure you that the use of violence in our school community is completely unacceptable and not in line with the values of our school,” he said. An Education Department spokesperson also condemned the incident at the time, stating: “There is no place for violence in our schools. All schools have strong policies in place to address any incidents of violence or bullying.” Arnold Thomas & Becker acts for workers injured on the job across Victoria. If you or someone you know has been injured at work, contact our team for a confidential, no-obligation discussion about your options.