At
the beginning of February, class 10LH4 marked two very special
dates: Safer Internet Day and Kindness Day. Aware that both
themes are closely connected—promoting respect, empathy, and healthy
interaction, both in person and online—the students prepared a range of
activities that involved the entire school community.
This initiative was also part of the eTwinning project “Windows opening to classrooms of tomorrow,” in which the class has been working throughout the school year, reflecting on the responsible use of the Internet and the importance of kindness in both the digital and real worlds.
On February
10, poetry served as the starting point for reflecting on the importance of
friendship and empathy. The students of 10LH4 visited several classes and
shared poems about friendship, by authors such as Vinicius de Moraes (Sonnet
to a Friend), Cecília Meireles (Message to Distant Friends), Carlos
Drummond de Andrade (Old Love), Eugénio de Andrade (Urgently), Florbela
Espanca (Friend), Alexandre O’Neill (Friend), and
also an original poem titled Friendship written by
student Maria Inês Araújo. The readings were accompanied by themed
bookmarks, created by the students themselves and offered to teachers as a
symbolic gesture of sharing and friendship.
On February 11, a lecture on Internet safety and the consequences of bullying and cyberbullying took place, led by Engineer José Carlos Silva and psychologist Maria José Barbosa. Class 10LH4 played an active role in the organization: they designed the promotional poster, prepared the venue, and opened the session, welcoming the speakers, teachers, and students. The event offered moments of sharing, reflection, and awareness, particularly for classes 10LH4, 10CSE1, and 12TSI, emphasizing the importance of responsible and empathetic online behavior.
Throughout the week, the school library was decorated with posters created by the students of 10LH4, raising awareness of safety and empathy online. On the library’s tree, colorful hearts displayed messages of kindness and solidarity, reminding everyone that, both on the Internet and in real life, respect and gentleness are the best ways to make the world — physical and digital — a safer and more humane place.
