Dr Peter Fairchild was attempting to break-up, what the Katherine Times has been told, was a fight at the school when he became involved. 

An Education Department spokeswoman said the incident happened yesterday. 

“An incident occurred at Katherine High School involving a number of students,” the spokeswoman said.

“The principal responded to the incident to provide assistance and one student grabbed the principal’s shirt. 

“The principal notified the family of the student involved and will be working with them to ensure positive steps are taken to support the student and provide ongoing service provision,” she said. 

“The Department of Education takes the safety and wellbeing of all students, teachers and staff seriously and will continue to work with the school to ensure that this is maintained.”