First flights, first skis and new friendships: Castle Tower School celebrates Italian ski adventure

Pupils from Castle Tower School, Ballymena on an adventure of a lifetime to the ski slopes of Falgoria, Italy.

Pupils from Castle Tower School have returned home with new skills, renewed confidence and memories that will last a lifetime following a memorable ski excursion to Italy.

Last week, Castle Tower School joined a Core Kids group made up of Rosstulla, Ballycarricmaddy, Thornfield and Carnalridge for a ski trip to Falgoria, Italy. The experience marked a series of important firsts for many of the young people involved.

For some pupils, it was their first time away from home, their first journey on an aeroplane, and their first opportunity to ski. It was also their first experience travelling independently from their families — a significant milestone in their personal development.

During the trip, pupils not only learned new physical skills on the slopes but also built resilience, independence and confidence while forming new friendships with children from across the Core Kids group.

Teachers and organisers say the experience has had a lasting impact, with pupils returning home more self-assured and socially connected.

“They have now returned more skilled, more independent, with a whole new set of friends, and memories that will last a lifetime,” a spokesperson for Castle Tower School said.

The trip was made possible thanks to the generous support of local businesses, whose backing played a key role in ensuring pupils could access the opportunity.

Sincere thanks were extended to trip sponsors Thomas McKillen of McKillens Ballymena, Russell Craig from J&R Fuels, Broughshane and Neal Kernohan of the Blackstone Bar and Off Sales, whose support was described as “greatly appreciated”.

Mr Thomas McKillen from McKillen’s of Ballymena kindly offered generous sponsorship for the children of Castle Tower School as they prepared for their Italian ski trip adventure

The ski excursion highlights the positive impact of the Core Kids programme, which brings schools together to support personal growth, confidence-building and shared experiences beyond the classroom.

For many of the Castle Tower School pupils, the journey to Italy represents not just a school trip, but a defining moment in their young lives.