Asked to reflect on the recent events at their school, sixth-year pupils at Our Lady of Mercy expressed their fears and put forward practical steps to eradicate the bitter divisions among young people in Northern Ireland.

"There was an eerie feeling about the school and rumours about gunmen could be heard in every room. When we eventually heard the truth, the sixth-years put their own fears behind them and pulled together as a team. We helped comfort the younger pupils who, unlike ourselves, had not been through similar situations... we are taught to love everyone and forgive, but sometimes it is hard to sustain such love when such hatred is coming through our front gates."

Stacey, senior prefect

"To be honest, I wasn't as shocked as would be expected because I am a native of Ardoyne and have been subjected to similar violent circumstances. I can't think how anyone could commit such an act. Only sick scum could sleep in their beds at night with the guilt and shame of hurting others."

Lisa, pupil at Our Lady of Mercy

"Why? Why children? Why schools? Is it because people have so much hatred in them? ... I am not sure how to solve this dreadful problem. Perhaps we need to have a heavier police presence; maybe parents need to be careful they don't pass on bigoted views to their children and also we all need to pray very hard to soften the hearts of these evil people who could carry out vicious attacks on innocent children and on our school."

Trea, senior prefect

"I think that it is very difficult for anyone to come with any single solution. One practical step would be to start with integrating schools, housing and jobs. Schools shouldn't be split up into one religion here and one religion there. I think if children are mixed from childhood they'd learn to respect each other's views. Also, parents have a major role in bringing their children up without sectarian hatred in their hearts. I know from experience this will not dampen the dreams and hopes of the pupils of Our Lady of Mercy."

Zoreena, head girl

"Parents could restrain from filling innocent minds with bigoted and dangerous views therefore preventing the hatred from carrying on to the next generation. The power of prayer may be a solution to these problems.

We pray to God that these men will some how stop and think before destroying the lives of innocent people. I still have a great deal of hope for the future!"

Clare, deputy head girl