Back to School - Renaissance Australia
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Start the term with clarity, confidence and connection

Whether you’re in the classroom, leading a team, or supporting schools at scale, Term 1 is your chance to set the tone. Renaissance tools are here to help you start strong, with clear data, flexible strategies, and support for every learner.

This guide outlines six simple steps to help you launch the term with purpose.

Step 1: Know where students are starting

After breaks, transitions or extended absences, a clear picture of each student’s starting point is essential. Early insight helps you plan support and avoid widening gaps.

Try this:

  • Run low-stakes assessments to ease students in
  • Use Star Reading for a quick literacy benchmark
  • Use Star Early Literacy for Foundation–Year 2 phonics and pre-reading
  • Review prior reports, NAPLAN data and teacher notes

You’ll be better placed to group students, personalise support, and track progress from day one.

Discover Star Assessments

Step 2: Set clear goals

When students understand what they’re working towards, they’re more likely to engage. Co-create simple, visible goals that feel achievable and meaningful.

Try this:

  • Use Star ZPD or Accelerated Reader to set reading goals
  • Use myON time-on-task to track reading habits
  • Set a whole-school literacy focus (e.g. vocabulary or fluency)
  • Display goals in classrooms or share in staff planning

It’s not about big targets, it’s about building momentum.

Step 3. Reinforce routines that support learning

Strong routines create safe and predictable environments. Re-establishing them early helps everyone feel calm, ready and focused.

Try this:

  • Co-create classroom expectations with students
  • Revisit transitions, behaviour expectations and device use
  • Reintroduce reading and writing blocks
  • Restart group rotations or mini-lessons

Even familiar routines need refreshing at the start of the term.

Step 4: Plan for inclusion and wellbeing

A new term can be both exciting and overwhelming. Some students may return feeling anxious or uncertain. Early check-ins and thoughtful planning can make a real difference.

Try this:

  • Use verbal, written or digital check-ins
  • Start weekly class circles or wellbeing activities
  • Review wellbeing data from PASS or student records
  • Update plans based on CAT4 or known learning adjustments

Inclusion and wellbeing are closely tied to academic progress.

Step 5: Get your tools and tech ready

Avoid term-time tech stress by setting things up early. A few checks now can save hours later.

To-do list:

  • Confirm logins for Star, Accelerated Reader and myON
  • Check that devices and browsers are ready
  • Schedule key assessment dates
  • Set up dashboards and explore available reports
  • Check the Help Centre or onboarding videos if needed

You don’t need to do everything, just make sure the essentials are ready.

Step 6: Don’t do it alone

The start of term can feel like a sprint. Lean on your colleagues, share what’s working, and build a rhythm as a team.

Try this:

  • Use shared dashboards or planning time
  • Set team-wide reading goals
  • Align wellbeing strategies across staff
  • Use Renaissance tools as a shared framework

One small action can have a significant school-wide impact.

Ready, set, grow

Back to school is more than logistics; it’s a fresh start. With clear data, strong routines and a shared focus, you’re in a great position to support every student’s learning and wellbeing.

 

Start simple:

  1. Run your first Star Reading assessment
  2. Set a reading goal in myON
  3. Plan your first small group rotation

One step gets the momentum going. We’re here to help every step of the way.