Canberra Raiders and Kaleen Primary School Launch “Read Like a Raider” Literacy Program

The Canberra Raiders have officially partnered with Kaleen Primary School to pilot a new five-week literacy initiative titled Read Like a Raider.

The program leverages the influence of professional rugby league athletes to encourage primary students to view mental training with the same dedication as physical training.

The program was developed as a collaborative effort between Kaleen Primary School Librarian Krissy McCombe and Raiders community manager Jess Crisp. For the school, the partnership is a core component of its broader school improvement work.

Commenting on the collaboration, Kaleen Primary School principal, Nicole Graham, said: “At Kaleen Primary School, improving reading outcomes is a key focus.” 

“We are deliberately building students’ motivation, engagement, and confidence as readers, because reading underpins all learning.

“Read Like a Raider is a great example of how we are bringing this to life,” Graham said.

Library Technician Krissy McCombe noted that using local rugby players helps students “train their brains just as they would train their bodies.”

Program Mechanics and “Train Your Brain” Philosophy

The challenge is designed to foster consistency and effort, encouraging students to log reading minutes through independent reading, reading aloud, or listening to stories.

To drive engagement, the program incorporates a sports-themed incentive structure:

• The 100-Minute Milestone: For every 100 minutes of reading completed, students earn a “Try Time” raffle ticket.
• Grand Final Celebration: The five-week challenge culminates in a major celebration in June to reward the school’s collective literacy achievements.
• Athlete Mentorship: Raiders stars Josh Papalii, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Jayden Brailey, Matty Nicholson, and Vena Patuki-Case visited the school to share how they balance professional discipline with a commitment to learning.

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