6 children and 4 staff members from St. Ronan's tool part in an Erasmus trip to Rome, Italy. During this time, they visited 2 schools in Colleferro, Italy and took in some excellent site seeing adventures. 
On day 1 of arriving in Colleferro we were met with the most wonderful, warm welcome from the staff, students and the principal at 'Leonardo Da Vinci Middle School'. The children waved Irish and Italian flags and the words of Amhrán na bhFiann echoed through the yard! It was the most fabulous sight to behold.
The children, from both schools, greeted each other and asked each other some questions. We were so taken aback by all the Irish decorations around the school, 2 children even played 'Molly Malone' on flutes! After a tour of the school and the various classrooms, our children took part in a baking lesson where they made cookies and an italian biscuit called Taralli. The children completed a technical drawing lesson before lunch. 
On Day 2 of our school visits, we went to 'G.P. Delfino Primary School'. Again, we received an warm welcome and went on a tour of the school. The children took part in a Q& A session with the students and it was very interesting to hear the differences and similarities between Italian and Irish schools.
Our children had great fun taking part in PE games.
We are very grateful to all the staff and the principal for giving us the most amazing welcome, especially Anastasia and Maria Rosaria, who could not have done more for us, before, during and even after our ERASMUS trip! We hope to return the favour in the next school year when we host some of the students from Italy and their teachers in St. Ronan's.

In our spare time, we took in all Rome city has to offer, including visits to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Villa Borghese, Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major where Pope Francis lies in rest and we were also so lucky to be in Rome when Pope Leo was announced as the next Pope. It was such a historical event and one we will never forget.

My trip to Florence was an unforgettable experience, combining learning, culture, and new friendships. I attended a course on Artificial Intelligence, where we explored tools like ChatGPT, Meta’s AI platforms, and many other emerging technologies. The course was both engaging and eye-opening, giving me a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping our world. I was joined by a diverse group of participants from Lithuania, Estonia, Hungary, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Greece. It was inspiring to share ideas and learn alongside people from so many different backgrounds.Outside the classroom, Florence offered a stunning backdrop to our studies. The city is rich in history and beauty. We visited the iconic Duomo, with its impressive dome by Brunelleschi and intricate facade. The Uffizi Gallery was another highlight—seeing masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci in person was breathtaking. We also wandered through the narrow streets of the historic center, crossed the Ponte Vecchio, and enjoyed panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Florence is also a paradise for food lovers. I had the chance to try traditional Tuscan dishes like ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup), pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup), and the famous Florentine steak. The gelato was some of the best I’ve ever tasted, and every meal was a celebration of local flavor.
This trip was more than just a course—it was a cultural exchange, a chance to explore one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, and a step forward in my understanding of AI. I came back with new skills, lasting memories, and friendships that span across Europe. Florence left a lasting impression on me, both professionally and personally.

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