PE teacher’s rooftop scare exposes management rift at Tuen Mun secondary school

A governance controversy has erupted at Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Sun Hoi Directors’ College in Tuen Mun after a 44-year-old male physical education teacher, reportedly distressed by mounting work pressure and management disputes, climbed onto the school rooftop last Thursday.

The teacher, who has served at the school for about 20 years, reportedly became emotionally unstable before calling the police for help.

Officers and paramedics arrived at the scene and sent him to Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment. The case has been classified as attempted suicide.

According to the teacher, conflicts with the school’s management began last academic year when the administration decided to scale back sports activities, citing concerns that they were “affecting students’ Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) examination performance.” 

The move, he said, led to repeated disagreements and left him feeling targeted. He was later diagnosed with depression amid growing stress.

The incident has drawn wide attention from teachers, students, and alumni. A group of alumni have since launched an online petition calling on the Education Bureau to investigate the school’s management approach.

Tensions over school sports policy

The teacher said that before the incident, the school held a meeting to review the annual sports day, during which administrators criticized student discipline and blamed him for “failing to teach students properly.”

He said he tried to explain the situation but was reprimanded for being “disrespectful,” which triggered his emotional breakdown and led him to the rooftop, where he eventually called the police.

He added that since last year, the school had restricted physical activities to “allow students to focus on DSE preparation,” even prohibiting Form Six students from joining school sports teams — a decision that prompted complaints from parents and students.

Although the ban was later lifted, he said he received a warning letter accusing him of “mishandling the situation,” which he described as deliberate targeting.

He also alleged that the school cut resources for the physical education department, including revoking his access to a sports venue booking account and reducing its budget.

Mental health and workplace treatment concerns

The teacher said he has been receiving regular psychological counselling for depression. However, when he applied for medical leave to attend therapy, the school allegedly demanded a medical certificate and refused to accept proof issued by his counselling organization.

He claimed the administration failed to forward a confirmation letter from psychologist to the headquarters and at one point suspended his school email account.

He further alleged that colleagues were subtly discouraged from dining with him, worsening his sense of isolation.

Education Bureau and TWGHs responses

The Education Bureau (EDB) confirmed it had activated its crisis management team immediately after the incident and has been in contact with the school to provide counselling and support for staff and students.

The bureau reiterated its commitment to supporting teachers’ mental health, noting the existing “Teachers' Helpline,” which offers psychological counselling through professional organizations.

In a statement, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals said the teacher was emotionally unwell on the evening of the incident and returned to school the following day before later applying for home rest.

The organization emphasized its concern for the physical and mental well-being of all staff and confirmed it had reported the incident to the Education Bureau while providing appropriate support.

Regarding the controversy over restricting senior students’ participation in sports, TWGHs explained that Form Six students usually suspend school team activities to prepare for public exams.

The policy, it said, does not represent a full ban on extracurricular activities but a “structured adjustment in participation,” adding that students with DSE results at Level 2 or above could still take part in competitions.