Classroom assistants celebrated with sweet treats from local SPAR store

Classroom Assistants at Castle Tower School, Hong Cassley, Gemma Moore and Vicky Balmer, with Maggie Anderson, team leader at SPAR Grove Road, Steven Henry, store manager at SPAR Grove Road and assistance dogs Percy and Nico.  

SPAR Grove Road has continued its commitment to supporting local education by donating 165 chocolate bars to Castle Tower School in Ballymena as part of its Classroom Assistant Appreciation Day celebrations.

The gesture is the latest in an ongoing partnership between the store and the school, which began in 2024.

Throughout the year, SPAR Grove Road has provided discounted products for the school’s breakfast club, including daily essentials such as milk, bread and cereal. The store has also supplied baking items for seasonal events including Halloween, Christmas and Mother’s Day.

In addition, staff at Castle Tower School were gifted vouchers offering a 10% discount on their next in-store shop, further strengthening the relationship between the community-focused retailer and the school.

Store manager Steven Henry said:

“It’s important to us at the store to show support to our local community and we were delighted to be able to provide treats towards the school’s classroom assistant appreciation day.

“Supporting the school with their breakfast club ensures that so many more children are able to get a nutritious start to the day, meaning that they can concentrate better in class and fully understand lessons.

“We hope to continue this for as long as possible!”

Castle Tower’s Classroom Assistants — including Hong Cassley, Gemma Moore and Vicky Balmer — were joined for the presentation by Maggie Anderson, team leader at SPAR Grove Road, along with store manager Steven Henry and assistance dogs Percy and Nico.

The ongoing support has been warmly received by families and staff, with the breakfast club now a valued part of the school day, helping pupils begin their morning with the energy they need to thrive.