QLD Independent Secondary Schools Netball Carnival (QISSN) – A Huge Week in Bundaberg

The 2025 QISSN carnival took place in Bundaberg from 29 June to 4 July, and what a week it was! Our Girls Grammar team was selected way back in January and has been training hard every week since, putting in the work and showing incredible commitment in the lead-up to this major event.

Every single player made huge strides this season, both individually and as a team, and it really showed when we took the court against some of the best school teams in Queensland.

After the opening ceremony on Sunday afternoon, our first game kicked off Monday morning against Assisi College Upper Coomera. It was a close one (6-all at halftime), they came out strong after the break to get a lead, but we managed to claw our way back from behind with some brilliant shooting and strong defensive intercepts, taking the win 14–12. Round 2 was another thriller against Mt Maria College Mitchelton. Down in the final minutes, the girls held their nerve and worked hard to get some key turnovers, sneaking away with a 21–20 win.

Tuesday was tough as we faced the top teams in our pool: St Mary’s College Ipswich and Aquinas College Ashmore. The girls fought hard in both games, but we went down 18–14 and 23–17. We regrouped quickly for our third match of the day against Our Lady of the Southern Cross Dalby, and it was a real back-and-forth battle. Unfortunately, they got us right on the buzzer, 19–18.

That night, the girls let their hair down at the QISSN Fun Night hosted by Shalom College. There were carnival games, lots of laughs, and our 'Very Hungry Caterpillar' costume in the Vinnies Fashion Parade was a massive hit!

On Wednesday, we put Tuesday behind us and came out with renewed energy. The girls played two strong games, winning 12–9 against Xavier Catholic College Hervey Bay and 17–14 against Good Shepherd Catholic College Mt Isa. The whole team pulled together brilliantly – tight defence, smart play through the midcourt, and incredible accuracy in the shooting circle. That evening we headed out for an extended team dinner. It was a great opportunity to spend time with families and say thanks for all their support.

Finals kicked off on Thursday, starting with a physical Quarter Final against Trinity College Beenleigh. We gave it everything but fell short, 18–14. In the Semi Final, we faced St Luke’s College Bundaberg, and what a game it was! The girls dug deep and clinched the win 13–12 with just 30 seconds left on the clock. Huge effort!

Our final game of the carnival was a rematch against Our Lady of the Southern Cross Dalby, and we were hungry for redemption. Both teams came out firing in a hard-fought, physical match, but sadly it wasn’t our day. We went down 20–15. Regardless, the girls should be incredibly proud of how they played all week.

Every game, teams vote for their MVP and the opposition’s MVP, and at the end of the carnival, the player with the most votes from each school is named the QISSN MVP. It was a close count for us, but a huge congratulations to Ralema Genaia, our 2025 Girls Grammar QISSN MVP!

We also say a heartfelt goodbye to our Year 12 students – Sophie Shaw (Captain), Ralema Genaia (Vice Captain), Taylor Brock, and Phoenix Nuggins. Thank you for your leadership, grit and heart. You’ve left big shoes to fill, but we’re looking ahead to Brisbane 2026 with excitement.

Massive thanks to Coach Micala Bowman and Manager Liz Curtis for all your time, effort, and support over the past six months.

A big thank you to all the families, friends, and members of the Girls Grammar community who cheered us on throughout the week, especially the students who gave up their holidays to come along and support. We felt the love and Girls Grammar spirit every step of the way!

Greta Doherty

Director of Sport