Meetings to broker a resolution of the dispute surrounding the Holy Cross Catholic school in north Belfast appeared to fail last night, the eve of the new school term.
The NIO Minister, Mr Des Browne, called for "restraint and the minimum possible disruption" to the children as it emerged Protestant residents intended to stage a protest this morning.
"We all have a duty to ensure that they [the children] get their education and can go to school free from fear," said Mr Browne.
Earlier, the parents of the schoolchildren urged the residents not to block the Ardoyne Road entrance of the school, stressing that it would harm ongoing dialogue.
"It is crucial that no protest takes place, for the sake of our children, said spokesman Mr Brendan Mailey. "Any form of protest will add to what is already a highly charged and difficult atmosphere."
His eight-year-old daughter is one of 200 pupils due to return to the school today.
Mr Mark Coulter, spokesman for the Protestant Concerned Residents of Upper Ardoyne, could not be contacted.
It is understood the group has stated the protest will be peaceful.