"Our students, staff and the wider school community have been informed of the incident. Support from the school counselling team and the Ministry of Education's Emergency Team is in place for those who may need assistance."
He says the school community will be updated on the situation, where and when appropriate and the school was assisting authorities in their investigations.
The main rail line from Hastings to Napier crosses Ellison St, which at that time of day is also a busy street for work commuters and school traffic.
The lengthy southbound train had stopped across the crossing, extending from the engine about 200 metres to south of Ellison St to the rear just a few metres on the city side.
It happened less than a kilometre from Napier Boys' High.