The primary school pupil pushed the man away before rushing back to Sacred Heart School in North Rd shortly before 4pm yesterday.
As of last night her assailant remained at large.
Sacred Heart School principal Paul Richardson said the incident happened on the walkway from George St uphill towards Dalmore, near the Northern Motorway overbridge.
"He grabbed her from behind and she pushed him off.
"We're all shaken up but it's worse for the child involved.''
Police and the dog team descended on North Dunedin, conducting area searches around Dalmore and Woodhaugh, as officers interviewed the child.
Mr Richardson said the girl provided a description of the man, and police would release details later.
He and the school were proud of the girl's bravery and presence of mind.
"She did all the right things.''
The number of suspicious approaches made to Dunedin children since September now stands at seven.
The other reports have been from the Mosgiel Library, Ravensbourne, Halfway Bush, Wakari (two reports) and George St, near Warrender St.
None of the reports have resulted in an arrest.
- Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800 555-111.
