A man shot by police at Flaxmere Primary School on Tuesday was carrying an imitation pistol.
Police said the man had visited the Hastings school twice earlier in the day before threatening a staff member on his third visit.
Another staff member tried to reason with the man, police said, before officers arrived and he fled.
He was then shot once by police after presenting the imitation weapon.
The 31-year-old remains in hospital in a stable condition.
"There is no doubt that this incident would have been very frightening for both children and staff at the school, and for pupils’ parents and other members of our community," Superintendent Tania Kura said in a statement.
Anyone who saw the incident and hasn't spoken to police was asked to contact them on 105.
Police said the man will be formally charged with Arms Acts offences later on Wednesday.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified of the incident and police will also be conducting their own investigation, Supt Kura said.
