Owning the Effort: The “We” and the “Me” of Our Classroom

Over the past fortnight, our class has been exploring what effort and success really mean — not just as results, but as daily choices, behaviours and mindsets that help us grow as learners and as people.

Together, students unpacked big questions like:

What does effort look like when nobody is watching?
What does success feel like before the test results arrive?

From these conversations, two powerful creations emerged:

our class posters
our personal shields.

The Posters: The “We”

The posters you’ll see displayed represent who we are together.

As a class, students developed a shared understanding of effort and success by thinking about what they:

Look like (the actions we take),
Sound like (the language we use), and
Feel like (the emotional environment we create).

From this, students co-created a set of class I-statements that reflect our collective commitments — how we learn, collaborate, persist, give feedback and measure success through growth rather than perfection.

These posters are our “We”:

Our shared values
Our class motto
Our agreed ways of working and learning together

They remind us that we succeed because we own the effort — together.

Year 3 Homework – Supporting NAPLAN Skills at Home

A Guide for Parents & Carers

Purpose

This homework supports the skills used in NAPLAN (reading, writing, language and numeracy) in a low-stress, age-appropriate way.

It is not about test practice – it is about building confidence and everyday learning habits.

Time Expectation

⏱ 10–15 minutes, 3–4 nights per week

Your Role as a Parent

✔ Encourage

✔ Talk about learning

✔ Praise effort

❌ No marking like a teacher

❌ No pressure or practice tests

Weekly Focus Overview

Week 1 – Reading & Understanding

Read anything for 10 minutes (books, signs, instructions, recipes)
Talk about:
- What is the text about?
- Who is it for?
- One new or interesting word

Week 2 – Vocabulary

Choose one word from reading
Discuss what it means
Use it in two sentences
Optional: think of a similar word (synonym)

Week 3 – Sentence Writing

Write 3 sentences about:
- Their day
- A favourite place or activity
Check together:
- Capital letter at the start
- Full stop at the end
Read sentences aloud

Week 4 – Persuasive Thinking

Talk about a simple opinion:
- Should kids have homework?
- Are pets good to have?
Write:
- I think ___ because ___.
- Add one more reason
Brainstorming ideas first is encouraged

Week 5 – Maths in Real Life

Practise maths while:
- Shopping
- Counting money
- Cooking
Ask:
- How did you work it out?
Write one maths number sentence

Week 6 – Putting It All Together

Read a short text
Write:
- 3 sentences about it OR
- 1 opinion and 1 reason
Try working for 15 minutes without stopping!

What Matters Most

⭐ Confidence

⭐ Talking about thinking

⭐ Effort over perfection

Thank you for supporting your child’s learning at home.

Small, positive routines make a big difference.

Parent Information Session

Rosa Shepherd - School Social Worker

☀️ No Hat, No Play

We are noticing an increasing number of students arriving at PE lessons without a hat. Our spare hat supply is very limited.

Please ensure your child brings their own clearly named hat to school every day. Hats are an important part of our SunSmart policy and are required for outdoor activities, including PE.

Thank you for helping us keep our students safe in the sun.

Student Absences

Please be aware that our student absence email is absentstudents@ironsidess.eq.edu.au, not studentabsence@ironsidess.eq.edu.au.

Newsletter

Servabo Fidem, Keep The Faith

Term 1, Week 3 · 13 Feb 2026

In this issue