We had Nicole Stott visit Springfield on Monday and inspire our learners and staff with her stories and experiences of Space travel.  Thank you to Steve Sherman from Living/Loving Maths for arranging this exciting opportunity for Springfield Junior School.

Dear Parents, 

It's always the PERFECT time to chat about something super important in today's digital world—positive digital citizenship. It's all about teaching our children to be good online citizens, and this article has some awesome tips and website recommendations to help you with this.  

First off, fostering positive digital citizenship is crucial because it teaches our children to use technology responsibly and respectfully. We want them to make wise choices, be safe online, and treat others kindly. So, here are a few websites you can check out for some valuable advice:

• Common Sense Media (commonsensemedia.org): They offer reviews of digital media, tips for online safety, and resources to help parents navigate the digital world with their children.

•   CyberSmart Africa (cybersmartafrica.org): This awesome site focuses on African youth and provides resources on online safety, cyberbullying, and privacy protection.

• Family Online Safety Institute (fosi.org): FOSI is all about creating a safe digital environment for families. Their website offers research-based resources, guides, and   educational materials for parents.

• South African Centre for Child Law (centreforchildlaw.co.za): This South African resource provides information on children's rights, policy development, and    educational resources related to the digital world.

Remember, it's important to have open conversations with your children about their digital experiences. Set clear rules and boundaries for technology use, and encourage them to think before they post or share online. Together, we can help our children become responsible digital citizens!

Kind regards, 

Merrill Velensky 

PS. For VPN users:  While VPNs can offer certain benefits, it's crucial for us to be aware of the risks associated with their use by students under the age of 18.

A VPN is a tool that allows users to create a secure and private connection over a public network. It can provide added privacy and security when accessing the internet, which can be beneficial in certain contexts. However, it's essential to understand that VPNs can also be misused or pose risks, especially when used by young individuals.

One of the primary concerns is that VPNs can enable students to bypass filters or restrictions put in place by educational institutions or parents. This can result in access to inappropriate content or engagement in activities that are not age-appropriate. Additionally, VPNs can potentially expose students to online threats or malicious activities, as their connection may be routed through untrusted servers.

As parents, it's important to have open conversations with your children about the responsible use of technology, including VPNs. Educate them about the potential risks associated with VPNs, such as exposure to harmful content or the compromise of personal information. Encourage them to use technology responsibly and adhere to any guidelines or restrictions set by the school or family. 

Sport Fixtures & Results

 Adrian Keith (middle) and Lexi Ryan (middle right) both from Grade 6 played for the Knights who were the PSI Indoor Hockey U12 Regional champions on 7 May 2023