Duty teachers acted “swiftly” and removed the lollipops before they could be collected and reminded the children of “stranger danger”.
Simeon said he went out to speak to the man “who, after calming down and not being so aggressive, was reasonable to be reminded that actually, it’s not a good look for a random member of the community to walk past a school and throw lollies.”
The man got on a bus and left, Simeon said.
Police and the school’s board of trustees were contacted, he said.
“This situation is being taken completely seriously,” Simeon said.
“Unfortunately, our tamariki got over-excited about the situation and the lollies, they lost sight of stranger danger.”
Simeon said the incident sparked “out-of-control” rumours, prompting an afternoon assembly in which the facts were outlined.
“I reminded them of the need of stranger danger [awareness] - not taking things from people or engaging with people outside of our school grounds. "
Simeon said he wanted to be open and transparent with the school community, especially in light of the rumours.
“Yes, there was a man. Yes, there were lollies.
“No, he didn’t come onto school grounds at all.”
Simeon ended the video by saying he would also address the matter in the school’s newsletter.
Simeon was approached for further comment.
Police were unable to find the incident in their system today to say whether the man has yet been found.
