Born and raised in Leura in the Blue Mountains, Shane Hogan was educated by the OLSH Sisters in Leura and the Sisters of Charity at St Canice’s in Katoomba. He completed his high school education at Katoomba High where he was school captain.

On leaving school, Shane trained as a teacher at the Catholic Teachers College, North Sydney. Later he gained a Masters Degree in Education at Macquarie University and in more recent times he completed further studies at the Australian Catholic University. 

Shane has taught with the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) since 1980. He commenced teaching with the Jesuits at Saint Aloysius’ College, Milsons Point   where he was Deputy Headmaster from 1986 until 1993.   From there he moved to Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview as Deputy Headmaster (Administration).  In 2000 he was appointed Head of School at Riverview and in 2003 became the school’s first lay Headmaster.

Shane is married to Catherine and together they three children, Erin, Dominic and Liam. One of seven children (his wife Catherine is one of eight), Shane says his passion for family and family life have played a significant role in his formation as a teacher and a headmaster.  In many ways, he says, they have shaped his ability to work with parents and  their children in order to achieve the best possible educational outcomes for students – both those  he has taught as well as those for  whom , in a broader sense, he has been responsible.

Throughout his teaching career, Shane has always had a strong commitment to the education of boys. He is deeply concerned about the problems they face in today's society. 

Shane is especially interested in the key role fathers play in the education of their sons and, over the years, through experience and research, has developed considerable insights and expertise in this important area of teaching and learning. Central to his educational philosophy is the belief that a young man will not learn unless he is happy. Shane also believes every school must strive to ensure students feel safe and accepted, as well as challenged academically and spiritually. 

An IT, sport and music enthusiast, Shane has often played with the orchestra in College musicals. With regards to IT, he understands and appreciates the influence technology has on today’s students, especially its impact on the way they learn. He is strongly committed to ensuring that the younger generation’s expectations for the use of technology in teaching and learning are met and developed.