St John’s D.S.G. Old Girl, Jenna Bam (Class of 2014) was recently married in the beautiful Western Cape, with three of her five bridesmaids, as well as many guests, being fellow St John’s D.S.G. Old Girls. Jenna certainly made the most of her special friendships in her years at school!

Jenna is now a Performance Analyst for the University of the Western Cape’s Rugby team. She has been able to use her passion for sport (sown during her time at St John’s D.S.G.) in her career. She analyses and reports on the players’ GPS stats, player load, and game video footage. Which basically means that she reports back to the coaches on where the players can improve and the use of possible strategies moving forward.

Jenna is also the video analyst for the SPAR Protea Netball Team who is currently playing in the World Cup in Cape Town. Being an analyst for a National team (in any sport) is a dream come true and Jenna is so grateful for the coaches at St John’s D.S.G. for allowing her to partake in (as well as offering) such a wide variety of sports during her time at school.

What is your favourite memory from your time at school?

I have so many happy memories from St John’s D.S.G. it would be hard to pick a favourite. My most happy times though were in boarding. We had such a special grade and there were many laughs and happy memories shared. Our love for food made it hard for me to walk out of a Consumer Studies practical unscathed. I would have to sneak past the whole grade to make it out alive with my cheesecake. I loved getting back the night before the term started and we would all pack into one dorm room to hear everyone’s holiday gossip. St John’s D.S.G. felt like home and the girls became family. I absolutely loved every bit of my time at this humble school.

What do you think makes St John’s D.S.G. the special school it is today?

St John’s D.S.G. is special because it truly is a ‘Small School with Big Heart’. I love how the girls are recognized and encouraged for every part that makes up the education system, not just academics alone. Everyone is individually celebrated and encouraged in their own walk of life, be it sports, culture, or arts. I think that sets women up for a great future and to be confident in their abilities and strengths. It was because I was given so much encouragement for my sporting abilities that I felt excited and enthusiastic to pursue a career in sports without hesitation. This is attributed to the caring nature of the staff at St John’s D.S.G.