The principal of an integrated primary school forced to close due to a security alert at pitches used by East Belfast GAA said pupils were denied their "right to education by narrow-minded people".
But Sean Spillane of Lough View Integrated PS said "the show must go on and our doors are open once again" with the school's 470 pupils back in the classroom.
The school, which is located on Church Road in Castlereagh, had to shut on Tuesday due to the security alert at the nearby Henry Jones playing fields.
A police operation was in place throughout the day, leaving primary and nursery school children unable to attend.
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Mr Spillane said they were first informed of the security alert late on Monday night.
"We were dealing with this from throughout the night on Monday into Tuesday," he said.
"The PSNI were in contact from around midnight and advised us then that school may not be able to open.
"So we were able to inform parents from early on about what was happening and I'm sure that caused disruption to many families.
"But I am grateful to the school community who have come together and for all the messages of support we have received."
Police confirmed later on Tuesday that "nothing untoward" was found during the alert.
Pupils were able to return to school on Wednesday and Mr Spillane said "everyone is delighted to be back".
"We spent time this morning talking to the children about yesterday and to remind them that this is a safe place and that Henry Jones pitches are a safe place for them," he said.
"We also told them that staff are here for them if they need to talk or ask questions about anything.
"Obviously there is a certain irony attached to the fact that we are integrated school where we have Catholic and Protestant children as well as a significant range of families of no faith and world faiths.
"Those who were involved in this are not targeting one section of the community, they are actually targeting all sections of the community."
Mr Spillane added that those responsible had "denied" pupils at the school their right to education.
"Primary schools are a busy place, particularly at this time of year and we could have done without losing a day at school," he said.
"All children have a right to education and they were denied that right to education by the narrow-minded people who took this course of action.
"But the show must go on and our doors are open once again."
