The children of Holy Cross are so accustomed to being surrounded by the world's media that most of them don't even glance at the dozens of reporters and camera crews lining their route to school, writes Suzanne Breen
It wasn't a normal journey to school by any stretch of the imagination but it could have been a lot worse for the pupils of Holy Cross in north Belfast. They clutched their mothers' hands tightly and some carried their favourite toys as they walked up the Ardoyne Road yesterday morning.
"Thank God there are no protesters," said a mother. "I know the loyalists said they wouldn't protest but I was worried all the same. You never know what could happen in this place."
It was a dark, wet morning as the children and their mothers set off for school. They walked passed burnt-out cars, destroyed in the rioting the night before. Dozens of reporters and camera crews monitored every inch of their walk. Most of the children kept their eyes focused on the road.
Some pupils were bussed or driven to school but the parents of those who walked said it was a matter of principle. Ms Jeannette McCann said she had been determined on the matter.
"Of course, there is a lot of fear among the parents and many kids are traumatised but our children have a right to an education and that right had to be upheld."
First to arrive at Holy Cross was Ms Tracy McLaughlin with her daughters Megan and Sarah Jane. Father Aidan Troy, chairman of the school's board of governors, said he was relieved the children could walk peacefully.
Some were still upset by the recent disturbances but the vast majority had gone to their classes and were doing fine, he said.
"Attendance is very high today which is what the board of governors had called for. Of course I would prefer if there was no security operation to get the children to school but I think it was necessary on the first day. I am delighted there is no protest on the road. I hope it will be an even more normal situation when we return again on Monday."
Sinn Féin Assembly member, Mr Gerry Kelly, said: "The atmosphere is very tense but everyone is relieved there was no protest. I hope this will calm things down in the area."
A spokeswoman for the loyalist residents, Ms Anne Bill, said her community had never planned to protest outside the school yesterday.
Certain nationalist elements wanted the picket to resume and loyalists had no intention of playing into their hands, she said. She called for the immediate setting up of the proposed community forum to help restore order to the area.