The North's First Minister, Mr David Trimble, and the Deputy First Minister, Mr Mark Durkan, last night appealed for restraint and common sense from all those involved in the incidents in north Belfast.
In a joint statement they said they had asked their officials to arrange an urgent meeting between community activists on the ground and local Assembly members, in the hope of facilitating cross-community dialogue.
"We stand ready to support and resource mediation if that is the will of the parties," they added. Both men condemned the recent violence without reservation. "We urge restraint and common sense from all parties," they said.
"We strongly commend the exceptional and tireless work by politicians and community workers to help heal the wounds which are of much concern to the entire community."
Politicians on both sides of the divide yesterday appealed for calm in north Belfast. The local DUP MP, Mr Nigel Dodds, flew back from London yesterday for a meeting with the North's Security Minister, Ms Jane Kennedy.
Mr Dodds said he had sought assurances about the safety of all schoolchildren in the area.
He called for CCTV cameras at flashpoint junctions. "This would allow trouble-makers to be identified and help to stop minor incidents developing into a more serious situation," he said.
Appealing for an end to street violence, he added: "It is vital that both communities work closer together to bring about a resolution of the problems in north Belfast. I would urge restraint on the part of those who would consider taking the situation into their own hands.
"Clearly there are those with a political agenda who are intent on causing trouble, and the community must not fall into that trap."
Ms Kennedy called on anyone with influence in both communities to condemn the disturbances.
"This violence is having a corrosive effect on both communities. There has been a tremendous amount of very good work done over the last year to resolve problems and this is at risk," Ms Kennedy said. She met the Assistant Chief Constable, Mr Alan McQuillan, to discuss the security situation. She said police would take all the necessary measures to maintain public order. She also met the chairman of Holy Cross board of governors, Father Aidan Troy.
Nationalist politicians expressed concern about the attack on Our Lady of Mercy School in Ballysillan, in which armed loyalists smashed 17 teachers' cars.
The Minister of Education, Mr Martin McGuinness, described it as "deeply disturbing".
"Nothing can justify attacks on schoolchildren or on schools. I would appeal to everyone to draw back and think about the damage these disturbances are doing to both communities and in particular to our children.
"This violence is traumatising our children and sowing the seeds of sectarian hatred and division in future generations. The only way to resolve differences is through dialogue," he said.
An SDLP Assembly member, Mr Alban Maginness, described the incident as appalling.
"Understandably parents and children are extremely shocked and frightened by this attack," he said. "It is absolutely despicable that they have been subjected to it. People must remain calm and think about the consequences of their actions. Work must continue to resolve the present difficulties."
Meanwhile, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation threatened strike action unless the crisis ended.
Its Northern secretary, Mr Frank Bunting, was concerned about the situation at Holy Cross and the attack on Our Lady of Mercy School.
"We cannot stand idly by and allow this deeply worrying situation to deteriorate further," he said. "We need to take some form of action which allows teachers to demonstrate, in a professional and dignified way, that a school is a sanctuary that cannot be violated," he added.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions condemned the attack on Our Lady of Mercy School as "a further act of madness and naked sectarianism".