Mother, daughter in top leadership roles at King David

Most families leave leadership of school at school, but for one mother and daughter, Jocelyn and Danni Angel, this is complicated by both having recently been chosen for leadership positions at King David High School. Jocelyn Angel has just taken on her new role as deputy principal, and her daughter, Danni, is the new head girl. 

After 20 years of teaching at King David Linksfield, Jocelyn was appointed one of the school’s four deputy principals. Her appointment coincided with her daughter’s election as head girl, forming a rare mother-and-daughter leadership dynamic within the school. 

“I knew that I had amazing colleagues vying for the position, so there definitely was an element of feeling stunned and quite surprised, but once they appointed me, I was excited and started getting ideas and thinking of innovations,” said Jocelyn. 

Danni, now in matric, grew up with her mother as a teacher at the school. She said she was overjoyed when it was announced in November last year that her mom was going to be one of the deputy principals. 

“I’m proud of her. Her being deputy principal and me being head girl is really cool. I don’t think anything like this has ever happened before,” said Danni. 

In fact, all three of Jocelyn’s children are going to be at King David this year, with the youngest starting Grade 8 and another in Grade 10. 

Jocelyn watched her oldest daughter, Danni, bloom in high school, becoming an all-rounder, so when it came time to elect student leaders, there was nothing to suggest that Danni wouldn’t be selected for head girl. Danni missed the opportunity previously to be elected a prefect in Grade 7 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I was ecstatic, although truthfully, I expected it. She’s involved in sport and culture, she gets along with everyone, and she’s a true all-rounder,” said Jocelyn. “Still, you never really know how these things will turn out, so I didn’t want to count my chickens. What made it even more meaningful was that Danni’s Grade 7 year was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when there were very few leadership opportunities. In fact, there were almost no positions available to her at that time. I remember thinking how wonderful it would be for her finally to have this opportunity in matric. I knew she deserved it, but there’s always an element of surprise. That’s what made the moment even more special.” 

They influenced each other over the years to get involved in the school, and would even participate in similar activities while also being able to establish themselves without the need for one another. 

“We’ve got a similar personality, as we both get involved in everything. We will both do debating, and then Danni will get involved in running and touch rugby, while I get involved in essay writing competitions,” said Jocelyn. 

“It’s a big school, and we’re both in high positions, but we each do our own thing,” said Danni. “I go to my mom for help whenever I need it, but she also gives me the space to make my own decisions, which I really appreciate.” 

Going into this year, with big changes coming on board with King David Victory Park students becoming part of the school, Danni and Jocelyn are approaching things from very different angles and are excited to hit the ground running with individual projects. 

“With Victory Park arriving, Danni’s a bit nervous about what will happen. She’s just going try her best and make sure that everybody is happy. I’m so excited that my children are going be a part of something that will incorporate about 200 kids per grade, much like we had in the 1990s. Until now, they have had big grades, but nothing like this, and I’m thrilled about it,” said Jocelyn. 

Said Danni, “I’m passionate about being in positions where I’m able to contribute to others as well as lead, which is fun. I’m so excited for this year. This Victory Park merger is a historic moment for us and our student leaders. We have so much power to make this the best year ever.”