View source for Davidson High School (New South Wales)

{{About|the high school in New South Wales|other similar-named schools|Davidson High School (disambiguation){{!}}Davidson High School}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Use Australian English|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox school
| name = Davidson High School
| logo = [[File:Davo.png|150px|Davidson High School badge]]
| motto = Wisely Sincerely
| established = 1972
| type = [[state school|Public]], secondary, co-educational, day school
| principal = David Rule
| enrolment = ~739 (7–12)<ref name=SchoolLocator>{{cite web |url=http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/schoolfind/locator/?section=showRecord&code=8479 |title=Davidson High School |access-date=2009-06-02 |work=School Locator |publisher=NSW Public Schools |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070905175423/http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/schoolfind/locator/?section=showRecord&code=8479 |archive-date=5 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| newspaper = ''The Davidson Dispatch'' (term newsletter)
| mascot = Davo Moose
| colours = Red and navy blue {{color box|red}}{{color box|#000080}}
| campus = Mimosa Street
| coordinates  = {{Coord|33|44|42|S|151|12|18|E|type:edu|display=inline,title}}
| city = [[Frenchs Forest]]
| state = [[New South Wales]]
| country = Australia
| website = [https://davidson-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/ davidson-h.schools.nsw.gov.au]}}

'''Davidson High School''' (DHS) is a school in [[Frenchs Forest]], [[Sydney]], New South Wales, Australia, on Mimosa Street. It is a co-educational high school operated by the [[Department of Education (New South Wales)|New South Wales Department of Education]] with students from years 7 to 12. The school was established in 1972 as a result of the growing population in the Frenchs Forest and [[Belrose]] areas and is located on a site bounded by heritage-listed remnant bushland.

Davidson High has a prominent history of involvement in the performing arts, in Dance, Drama and Music, and annually produces the "Season of Performing Arts" at the local [[Glen Street Theatre]]. In 2004 and 2007, Davidson High entered the New South Wales Rock Eisteddfod Competition with pieces relating to the Iraq war. Both performances came under a lot of media scrutiny, with a similar result.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

== History ==
[[File:WEDavidson.jpg|right|thumb|Sir Walter Davidson, Governor of New South Wales, namesake of the suburb and the school.]]
Davidson High School was originally to be called Sorlie High School after George Sorlie, an idealistic developer of land in the district. However, the residents of the area requested a change of name for the suburb, which was granted.<ref name=His>{{cite web|title=Our School – History |publisher=Davidson High School |url=http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/history.html |access-date=2009-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006042437/http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/history.html |archive-date=6 October 2008 }}</ref> The new suburb, and consequently the new high school, was named after [[Walter Edward Davidson|Sir Walter Davidson]],  a popular [[Governor of New South Wales]] from 1918 until his death in 1923, and to whom the parklands of {{convert|2500|acre|km2}} called Davidson Park were dedicated on 13 October 1923, which now lies within [[Garigal National Park]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222679390 |title=Davidson Park|newspaper=[[The Sun (Sydney)|The Sun]] |location=Sydney|date=14 October 1923 |accessdate=12 August 2023 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245994680 |title=Tribute to Late Governor|newspaper=[[Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|The Daily Telegraph]]|location=Sydney|date=15 October 1923 |accessdate=12 August 2023 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> This forms the western boundary of [[Davidson, New South Wales|Davidson]].<ref>''The Book of Sydney Suburbs'', Compiled by Frances Pollon ''[[Angus & Robertson]] 1990 {{ISBN|0-207-14495-8}}, page 81</ref> However, the site of the school lies not in Davidson but on the western edge of [[Frenchs Forest]].

A meeting was called on 12 August 1971 at [[Wakehurst Public School]]. Representatives of the teaching staff and P.&C. Associations of Frenchs Forest, Wakehurst, Mimosa, and Belrose Public Schools, were advised by representatives of the Education Department of a proposed new school adjoining the grounds of Mimosa School. This new school would be known as Davidson High, with the anticipated completion date of January 1973.<ref name=tw>Davidson High School P&C Association, ''Davidson High School – The First Twenty years'' (Sydney, 1992) {{ISBN|0-646-08149-7}}</ref> The design of the school, drafted by architects Ian McHutchison, Douglas Anderson and Ronald Powell under the administration of the [[New South Wales Government Architect]] [[New South Wales Government Architect#Edward Herbert (Ted) Farmer 1958–1973|Ted Farmer]], was termed a "Study 3 School". The design was created to be the 'go-to plan' for the majority of constructions in NSW state schools from 1971. Thus, Davidson High School was one of many created in this [[Brutalist]] style in the period, including Evans High School (1971, [[Blacktown]]), Mulwaree High School (1971, [[Goulburn]]), [[Galston High School]] (1972, [[Galston, New South Wales|Galston]]), [[Lake Illawarra High School]] (1972, Lake Illawarra), [[Kooringal High School]] (1973, [[Wagga Wagga]]), Casula High School (1973, [[Casula]]) and Macintyre High School (1974, [[Inverell]]).<ref name=RCJ/>

The design reflected the change in the NSW Education system since the landmark [[Harold Wyndham|Wyndham]] Report and the ''Public Education Act 1961'' that emphasised a subject-based structure of students, rather than strictly [[Form (education)|Form]]-based.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hughes |first1=John |title=The Wyndham Scheme New South Wales, 1957–1965 |url=https://dehanz.net.au/entries/the-wyndham-scheme/ |website=Dictionary of Educational History in Australia and New Zealand |publisher=Australian and New Zealand History of Education Society |access-date=11 August 2023}}</ref> Thus each "Study 3 School" was designed with its classrooms organised around each subject department, requiring pupils, rather than staff, to move between lessons, and allowed specialist facilities for each subject. The Brutalist design of the school was one very consciously chosen by the Government Architect's Branch who in one report noted that the school design was "...the largest and most expansive and in terms of the 'heavy' style of architecture, the most handsome yet evolved."<ref name=RCJ/> Prominent Sydney architect Russell Jack (of [[Allen Jack+Cottier]]), in his evaluation of Davidson High's design, agreed, noting that {{quote|The various blocks are well grouped – less formally than the doughnut layouts [of the Form-based school designs] – and they consequently create a more human atmosphere. There are some lapses in scale from that which would seem appropriate for children. For instance, the use of deep window reveals in the brick walls is almost monumental. Generally there is a friendliness apt for its purpose, enhanced by the restrained use of primary colour on columns, balustrades and doors. These elements provide enlivening contrast in the face brickwork and off-form concrete surfaces.<ref name=RCJ>Jack, Russell C., "The Work of the N.S.W. Government Architect's Branch – 1958–1973" ([[Master of Architecture|MArch]] Degree Thesis), Faculty of Architecture, University of New South Wales, 1980, pp. 105–107.</ref>}}

The school's earliest students were housed between [[Killarney Heights High School]] and [[The Forest High School (New South Wales)|The Forest High School]] from 1972 to 1973.<ref name=tw/> On 3 September 1971, the "Davidson High School" name was gazetted by the Geographical Names Board, and the formal establishment of the school was announced by the Minister for Education, [[Eric Willis]], on 19 January 1973.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220134991 |title=GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES ACT, 1966 |newspaper=[[Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales]]|issue=97 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=3 September 1971 |accessdate=12 August 2023 |page=3482 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220184988 |title=ESTABLISHMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL |newspaper=[[Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales]] |issue=10 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=19 January 1973 |accessdate=12 August 2023 |page=141 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> In early 1973, Year 7 classes were situated in Mimosa Public School and Year 8 classes at Killarney Heights Public School, requiring students, teachers and parents to travel in between schools. The buildings on the present site were first completed and occupied in September 1973.<ref name=tw/>
[[File:Davidson.jpg|right|150px|thumb|The first school badge 1972–1983]]
Despite the library not being completed until 1976, the school was officially opened in January 1974.<ref name=tw/> The ceremony was attended by the inaugural principal, William Lambert, who said to the students: "...Davidson High is yours, continue the effort that has been made by so many to develop it. Keep building it, with pride and earnest endeavour."<ref name=tw/> Like the neighbouring Mimosa Public School, Davidson High was built on a site bounded by forested native bushland remnants of the Duffys Forest Ecological Community, which was first listed as local heritage item under the Warringah Local Environmental Plan in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|title=Trees, Davidson High School|url=https://www.hms.heritage.nsw.gov.au/App/Item/ViewItem?itemId=2610087|website=NSW State Heritage Inventory|publisher=[[Office of Environment & Heritage]]|access-date=12 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Davidson High School – Significant Trees |url=https://www.hms.heritage.nsw.gov.au/App/Item/ViewItem?itemId=5065884 |website=NSW State Heritage Inventory |publisher=Heritage NSW |access-date=12 August 2023}}</ref>

In December 1995, the Head Teacher of Legal Studies, Jan Jones, was awarded the NSW Award at the 1995 National Excellence in Teaching Awards, presented by the Australian Scholarships Foundation.<ref name=Nov95/> Jones was the Teacher of Legal Studies at Davidson from 1989 until her death in 2000, and the school function room was dedicated as the ''Jan Jones Room'' in her memory not long after.<ref>The Davidson Dispatch, June 2000</ref> Teacher of Music from 1989 to 2014, Helen Oberg, was also awarded the NSW Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1995.<ref name=Nov95>The Davidson Dispatch, November 1995</ref> In October 1997 Davidson High School made a sister School agreement with Morioka Chuo High School in [[Morioka, Japan|Morioka]], Japan.<ref>{{cite web| title =Morioka Chuo – Sister Schools| publisher =Morioka Chuo High School| url =http://www.chuo-hs.jp/english/| access-date = 2009-06-03 }}</ref> In 1999 Davidson High School was awarded the Director-General's Award for School Achievement for "Achievements in Agenda Priority Areas".<ref>{{cite web|title=Director-General's Award for School Achievement |publisher=[[New South Wales Department of Education and Training]] |url=https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/media/downloads/reports_stats/annual_reports/year99/chapter4.pdf |access-date=2009-06-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822124330/https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/media/downloads/reports_stats/annual_reports/year99/chapter4.pdf |archive-date=22 August 2006 }}</ref>

In 2007, the Davidson Community of Schools was unveiled by the principal, Rod Cawsey, building closer ties with local primary schools, with the intention to enhance the learning of students in the Davidson community through joint educational programs, combined teacher development and the sharing of resources. The community also consists of Belrose, Kambora, Wakehurst, Mimosa and Terrey Hills Public Schools.<ref name=DCS>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/pooling-resources-for-school-of-future/2007/07/20/1184560040266.html|title=Pooling resources for school of future|publisher=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|date= 21 July 2007|access-date=2008-12-06}}</ref> In 2011, Davidson High signed a school partnership agreement with the [[Collège Sainte-Anne de Lachine]] in [[Lachine, Quebec]], Canada.<ref>{{cite web| title =Écoles partenaires – Davidson High School| publisher =Collège Sainte-Anne de Lachine| url =http://www.csadl.ca/secondaire/international/ecoles-partenaires.php| access-date =2011-09-05| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110804082106/http://www.csadl.ca/secondaire/international/ecoles-partenaires.php| archive-date =4 August 2011| df =dmy-all}}</ref>

===Badge and motto===
[[File:Davidsontartan.jpg|right|thumb|Davidson Clan Tartan, as used in the school uniform.]]
While at Killarney Heights High School in 1972, the parents of the first students were granted permission by the Lairds of the [[Clan Davidson]] to [[Assumed arms|assume]] the [[Scottish crest badge|crest badge]], motto, and tartan of Clan Davidson of [[Tulloch Castle|Tulloch]] in Scotland.<ref name=His/> The arms of Davidson of Tulloch were matriculated to Duncan Davidson (1865–1917) by grant of the [[Court of the Lord Lyon]] on 12 April 1906.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Fox-Davies |first1=Arthur Charles |title=Armorial Families – A directory of Gentlemen of Coat Armour |date=1929 |publisher=Hurst & Blackett |location=London |page=505 |edition=7th |access-date=31 August 2023 |url=https://archive.org/details/armorialfamilies01foxd/page/504/mode/2up|quote=Crest—On a wreath of his liveries, a stag's head erased proper. Motto—"Sapienter si sincere." ''Livery''—Dark blue, with red and white waist-coat.}}</ref> The clan's distinctive [[tartan]] colours, motto, and the stag's head [[Crest (heraldry)|crest]] were incorporated in the school [[Heraldic badge|badge]], which took the form of an ornate [[Escutcheon (heraldry)|shield]] with the school name. The Davidson of Tulloch and original Davidson High motto (enclosed within a heraldic belt) – {{lang-la|Sapienter si Sincere}} – means 'Wisely if Sincerely' or alternately, 'with wisdom if with sincerity'.<ref name=His/><ref>{{cite web |title=Mottos & Crests |url=https://clandavidson.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Rev-112-H_Mottos.pdf |publisher=The Clan Davidson Association |access-date=31 August 2023}}</ref>

During the tenure of the third Principal, Roy Beauman (1983–1987), the motto was altered from the Latin 'Sapienter si Sincere' to English and the words transposed to read 'Sincerely if Wisely'. The ornate shield was replaced with a circlet badge surrounding the stag crest produced in green, white, navy, and brown.<ref name=His/> A further change occurred during the tenure of Principal John McManus (1988–1990), with the motto altered to 'Wisely Sincerely', and the stag crest enclosed by a simplified shield in red and navy.<ref name=His/>

== Principals ==
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto;"
|- style="background:#fc3;"
! Years !! Davidson High School<ref>Davidson High School Honour Roll – Principals</ref>
|-
| 1972–1974 || William Lambert, ''[[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]]''
|-
| 1975–1979  || Austin Hayes, ''B.A.''<ref>Principal of [[Epping Boys High School]] 1979–1982, and Wauchope High School 1983–.</ref><ref>{{Citation| title=TRANSFERS AND PROMOTIONS 1977/78 |magazine=Education: Journal of the N.S.W. Public School Teachers Federation | issn=0013-1156 |volume=60 |issue=18 |page=437 |date=5 Nov 1979 |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-721821726 |id=nla.obj-721821726 |access-date=7 January 2021 |via=Trove}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=SECONDARY APPOINTMENTS FOR 1983 AS DETERMINED ON AUGUST 26, 1982 |magazine=Education: Journal of the N.S.W. Public School Teachers Federation |issn=0013-1156 |volume=63 |issue=16 |page=23 |date=27 Sep 1982 |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-731415375 |id=nla.obj-731415375 |access-date=7 January 2021 |via=Trove}}</ref>
|-
| 1980–1982 || Betty Anderson, ''B.A.''<ref>Deputy Principal of [[Willoughby Girls High School]] 1978–1979, and Principal of [[North Sydney Girls High School]] 1987–1990.</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=SECONDARY PROMOTIONS/TRANSFERS |magazine=Education: Journal of the N.S.W. Public School Teachers Federation |issn=0013-1156 |volume=60 |issue=18 |page=437 |date=5 Nov 1979 |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-721821726 |id=nla.obj-721821726 |access-date=7 January 2021 |via=Trove}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Secondary Promotions/Transfers 1979 DEPUTY |magazine=Education: Journal of the N.S.W. Public School Teachers Federation |issn=0013-1156 |volume=59 |issue=17 |page=382 |date=11 Oct 1978 |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-723630664 |id=nla.obj-723630664 |access-date=7 January 2021 |via=Trove}}</ref>
|-
| 1983–1987 || Roy Beuman, ''[[Sydney Technical College|A.S.T.C.]]''<ref>Principal of Seven Hills High School 1977–1982.</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=TRANSFERS AND PROMOTIONS 1977/78 |magazine=Education: Journal of the N.S.W. Public School Teachers Federation |issn=0013-1156 |volume=58 |issue=16 |page=374 |date=28 Sep 1977 |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-719443111 |id=nla.obj-719443111 |access-date=7 January 2021 |via=Trove}}</ref>
|-
| 1988–1990 || John McManus, ''B.A.''
|-
| 1991–1992 || Grahame Roe, ''B.A. [[Bachelor of Education|BEd]] [[Diploma of Education|Dip.Ed.]]''
|-
| 1992–1996 || Roslynne Moxham, ''[[Master of Arts|M.A.Ed.]] [[Bachelor of Music|B.Mus.Ed.]] [[Associate in Music, Australia|A.Mus.A.]] [[Australian College of Educators|F.A.C.E.]]''
|-
| 1997–2001 || Mark Anderson, ''[[Member of the Order of Australia|AM]] [[Master of Education|MEd]] B.A. Dip.Ed.''
|-
| 2002–2005|| Chris Bonnor, ''[[Member of the Order of Australia|AM]] B.A. ([[Honours degree|Hons]]) Dip.Ed. Dip.Soc.Ed. F.A.C.E.''
|-
| 2006–2011 || Rod Cawsey, ''MEd B.A. Dip.Teach''
|-
| 2011–2019 || Jann Pattinson, ''B.A. Dip.Ed.''{{#tag:ref|Effective from 17 November 2011.|name=Term1}}
|-
| 2019–present|| David Rule, ''B.A. Dip.Ed.''<ref>{{cite web |title=The Davidson Dispatch Term 2 2019 |url=https://davidson-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/d/davidson-h/newsletter/Dispatch_Term_2_2019_.pdf |publisher=Davidson High School |access-date=9 April 2020 |date=28 June 2019}}</ref>
|}

== Senior staff ==
[[File:Davidson High School (New South Wales) (16 June 2007).JPG|right|thumb|300px|Mimosa Street entrance of school, 2009.]]
The [[Principal (school)|Principal]] of DHS from 1992 to 1996 was Roslynne Moxham. In 2002, she was awarded a Fellowship of the [[Australian College of Educators]] (FACE) "For contributions through outstanding leadership in NSW high schools and to student learning and teaching practice, particularly in Gifted and Talented Education and Music Education".<ref>{{cite web| title =Roslynne Moxham| publisher =Australian College of Educators| url =http://austcolled.com.au/awardwinner/fellowship/2002/437| access-date =2010-03-31| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110706101656/http://austcolled.com.au/awardwinner/fellowship/2002/437| archive-date =6 July 2011| df =dmy-all}}</ref> She was also Principal of [[Asquith Girls High School]] and [[Fort Street High School]] (2000–2018), before being appointed  Director Educational Leadership in the Department of Education.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dear Parents, Carers and Fortians |url=https://www.fortstreet.nsw.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/november.1-2017.pdf |access-date=6 January 2021 |agency=Mercurius |publisher=Fort Street High School |date=November 2017}}</ref>

The principal from 1997 to 2001 was Mark Anderson. On his arrival in 1997 enrolments had dropped from 1145 to 484 in the previous ten years. Anderson introduced a gifted and talented program to target the specialist needs of certain student interests to combat this and by the time of his departure, enrolments stood at over 600. In January 2002 Anderson took up the appointment of the founding Principal of the [[Sydney Secondary College]], which had been created through the amalgamation of three inner-city high schools.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Burke|first1=Kelly|title=Being selective hits the mark with most parents|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/08/11/1092102526279.html|access-date=19 September 2015|agency=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=12 August 2004}}</ref> Serving until 2004, Anderson became School Education Director for the Western Sydney Region in 2005 and is now Director of People and Careers for the [[Department of Education (New South Wales)|NSW Department of Education]] since 2014. In the 2018 Australia Day Honours list, Anderson was made a [[Member of the Order of Australia]] (AM) for "significant service to secondary education in New South Wales through administrative and executive roles, and to educational standards."<ref>{{cite web |title=Mr Mark John ANDERSON – Member of the Order of Australia |url=https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/2000565 |website=Australian Honours database |publisher=DPMC |access-date=9 April 2020 |date=26 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Australia Day Honours 2018: AM |url=https://www.weeklytimes.com.au/australia-day-honours-2018/ |access-date=9 April 2020 |agency=The Weekly Times |date=1 February 2018}}</ref>

The principal of Davidson High from 2002 to 2005 was Chris Bonnor. During that time he was President of the NSW Secondary Principals Council from 2001 to 2006 and was also a Member of the [[Australian College of Educators]] (MACE). Previously he had also been Principal of [[Asquith Boys High School|Asquith Boys’ High School]] from 1991 to 2000. On 26 January 2007 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for "service to education through significant contributions to the development of educational policy and practice in New South Wales, the promotion of excellence in school leadership, and advocacy for public education."<ref>{{cite web |title=Mr. Christopher Richard Bonnor – AM |publisher=[[Governor General of Australia]] |url=http://www.gg.gov.au/res/File/PDFs/honours/ad07/medianotesAM(A-G).pdf |access-date=2009-06-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515034727/http://www.gg.gov.au/res/File/PDFs/honours/ad07/medianotesAM%28A-G%29.pdf |archive-date=15 May 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In 2013, he was awarded a Fellowship of the Australian College of Educators (FACE), with his citation noting that he "has demonstrated outstanding professional practice through significant contributions to student learning, teaching and leadership of the NSW Secondary Principals’ Council. Christopher has also made contributions to education policy development in NSW. All of his experience has been characterised by an unwavering commitment to equity of opportunity and outcomes for students."<ref>{{cite web|title=2013 Fellowship recipients – Mr Christopher Bonnor, FACE|url=https://www.austcolled.com.au/awards/past-recipients-of-fellowship/2013-fellowship-recipients|website=www.austcolled.com.au|publisher=Australian College of Educators|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604033034/https://www.austcolled.com.au/awards/past-recipients-of-fellowship/2013-fellowship-recipients|archive-date=4 June 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The principal of Davidson High from 2006 until his retirement in August 2011 was Rod Cawsey, who, as Deputy Principal, took over as acting principal from Chris Bonnor in the third quarter of 2005, but did not become officially principal until 2006. Upon his retirement, Deputy Principal Sue Anderson became Acting Principal until Cawsey's successor was chosen.<ref name=aug>{{cite web|title=Davidson Dispatch – August 2011 |publisher=Davidson High School |url=http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/docs/Davidson%20High%20School%20Dispatch.pdf |access-date=2011-08-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216234821/http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/docs/Davidson%20High%20School%20Dispatch.pdf |archive-date=16 February 2011 }}</ref> In October 2011, Jann Pattinson was appointed as the new Principal of Davidson High, effective from 17 November. Pattinson was the coordinator of the Pittwater Community of Schools and also the [[Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics|STEM]] Project Manager for [[Macquarie University]]. Pattinson had previously been the DHS Head Teacher for Teaching and Learning and briefly as acting Deputy Principal before leaving in 2006 to become the Deputy Principal at [[Moss Vale High School]].<ref name=Oct>{{cite web|title=Davidson Dispatch – October 2011 |publisher=Davidson High School |url=http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/docs/Davidson%20High%20School%20Dispatch.pdf |access-date=2011-11-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002001856/http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/docs/Davidson%20High%20School%20Dispatch.pdf |archive-date=2 October 2011 }}</ref>

== Houses ==
A [[House system]] was formed by staff at Davidson in 1973. The four houses were originally named Mimosa, Blackbutt, Belrose and Waratah, after prominent local plant species. The present house system was introduced by the second Principal, Austin Hayes, and were named after the individual stars of the [[Southern Cross]].<ref name=tw/>
The current houses of Davidson High School and their associated colours are {{color box|Yellow}} [[Gamma Crucis|Gamma]], {{color box|Blue}} [[Alpha Crucis|Alpha]], {{color box|Green}} [[Delta Crucis|Delta]] and {{color box|Red}} [[Beta Crucis|Beta]].

==Performing arts==
Davidson High School has a prominent history in the performing arts, dating back to the school's establishment, with three distinct branches: Music, Dance and Drama.<ref name=Opp>{{cite web|title=Our School: Opportunities |publisher=Davidson High School |url=http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/opportunities.html |access-date=2009-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827212537/http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/opportunities.html |archive-date=27 August 2008 }}</ref> The music program at Davidson comprises several bands that annually perform at the Season of Performing Arts (SOPA) at the Glen Street Theatre, school functions, and at the Northern Beaches Eisteddfod.<ref name=Mus>{{cite web|title=Opportunities – Music |publisher=Davidson High School |url=http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/music.html |access-date=2009-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827212829/http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/music.html |archive-date=27 August 2008 }}</ref> The vocal ensemble, originally formed in 1973, is the oldest musical group in the school and performs throughout the year, including the Season of Performing Arts and the [[Schools Spectacular]].<ref name=Mus/> The school drama programme consists of ensembles of junior and senior students and of which concentrate on working up performances for the Season of Performing Arts, drama nights, and the regional and state drama festivals. In recent years the Drama ensemble has done a 'Drama Tour' to local Schools, performing workshops for young students.<ref name=Dr>{{cite web|title=Opportunities – Drama |publisher=Davidson High School |url=http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/drama.html |access-date=2009-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626060605/http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/drama.html |archive-date=26 June 2009 }}</ref>[[File:Davo Library.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The school Library, 2009.]]

In dance, students have performed in many competitions such as the [[Rock Eisteddfod Challenge|NSW Rock Eisteddfod Challenge]], in which Davidson participated from its inception in 1980 to the competition's end in 2012, and the Season of Performing Arts.<ref name=Dan>{{cite web|title=Opportunities – Dance |publisher=Davidson High School |url=http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/dance.html |access-date=2009-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827213536/http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/dance.html |archive-date=27 August 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Topsfield |first1=Jewel |title=No more singing the blues for students as competition is revived |url=https://www.smh.com.au/education/no-more-singing-the-blues-for-students-as-competition-is-revived-20130128-2dh01.html |access-date=9 April 2020 |agency=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=29 January 2013}}</ref>

===Rock Eisteddfod===
The school came under external criticism and media scrutiny when Davidson has entered the 2004 Rock Eisteddfod competition with a performance, named "Bad Night in Baghdad", with a satirical and underlying message about the Iraq war. The dance piece sparked up debate over the alleged "politicisation" of schools and freedom of speech, and was criticised by the then Federal Minister for Education, [[Brendan Nelson|Dr. Brendan Nelson]], who said that the production presented an "extremely biased view" of the war.<ref name=rockE>{{cite news|url=http://www.cpa.org.au/garchve04/1195rock.html |title=Rock Eisteddfod rocks Government |work=[[The Guardian]]|date=11 August 2004 |access-date=2008-12-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080728103202/http://www.cpa.org.au/garchve04/1195rock.html |archive-date=28 July 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> However, the school and the dance piece were also defended by the principal of the day, Chris Bonnor, and New South Wales Deputy-Premier and Education Minister, [[Andrew Refshauge]].<ref name= stateline>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/stateline/nsw/content/2004/s1197529.htm|title=Rock Values|publisher=[[Stateline (tv program)|Stateline]]|date=10 September 2004|access-date=2009-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109090242/http://www.abc.net.au/stateline/nsw/content/2004/s1197529.htm|archive-date=9 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite this, Davidson went on to take joint first place with [[Rose Bay Secondary College]] in the Open grand final and performed at the national competition.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/09/10/1094530819057.html?from=storylhs|title=School's war dance wins|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald|date= 10 September 2004|access-date=2009-11-12}}</ref>

In 2007, Davidson entered a second performance with a similar topic, entitled ''Bad Knight II'', which got the attention of the then Federal Minister for Education, [[Julie Bishop]], who accused the teachers of having "private political agendas" and said that the timing of the performance was "interesting", given the [[Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation]] (APEC) summit was being held in Sydney at the time, where U.S. President [[George W. Bush|George Bush]] and other foreign leaders would be visiting.<ref name>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/students-who-rock-the-boat/2007/08/15/1186857591589.html%7CRock|title=Students who rock the boat|publisher=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|date= 15 August 2007|access-date=2008-12-06}}</ref> The performance was defended by the NSW [[New South Wales Department of Education and Training|Minister for Education and Training]], [[John Della Bosca]], who accused Bishop of using her supposed concern over the school's performance to criticise the public education system: "I think it's another demonstration of how far out of touch Mrs Bishop and her colleagues in the Howard government are...the concern they have is just another (opportunity) to run down the achievements of young people in public education."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/bishop-doesnt-rock-della-bosca/2007/08/15/1186857558194.html|title=Bishop out of touch over Eisteddfod: Della Bosca|publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald|date= 15 August 2007|access-date=2009-11-12}}</ref>

===Season===
The "Season of Performing Arts" or "SOPA" was established in 1994, originally as the "Evenings of Performing Arts", as a means of annually showcasing the best of all the performing arts: Music, Dance, and Drama. It is held over several days at the local [[Glen Street Theatre]].<ref name=Opp/>

== Student leadership ==
At the instigation of the second Principal, Austin Hayes, the first student council was formed in 1976, and the first [[School Captain]]s were elected in 1975.<ref name=tw/> The [[Student Representative Council]] (SRC) consists of students elected from years 7–11, [[Prefect#Academic|Prefects]] are selected in year 12, and house captains for sporting events.<ref name=SL>{{cite web|title=School Profile: Leadership |publisher=Davidson High School |url=http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/opportunities.html |access-date=2009-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626060317/http://www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/opportunities.html |archive-date=26 June 2009 }}</ref>

Debating and Public Speaking also play a role in the school, with previous student involvement in the [[Premier of New South Wales|Premier's]] Debating Challenge, [[Law Society|New South Wales Law Society]] [[Mock Trial]] Competition, the [[Sydney Morning Herald]] Public Speaking Competition, [[Rotary International|Rotary]] 'Youth Speaks' Competition, and the Rotary [[Model United Nations]] Assembly.<ref name=Opp/>

In February of 2024. Davidson High came under controversy after a shocking [[Nine News]] report revealed that over 800 people had signed a petition demanding the School's Hall be renovated. The news report was followed by a montage of photographs showing the hall's smashed windows & damaged window frames, as well as several broken roof tiles.

== Notable alumni and staff==
===Academia and community===
*[[Cornelia Rau]] – German citizen and Australian permanent resident who was unlawfully detained as part of the mandatory detention program.<ref>{{cite web|title=Submission of the Rau Family to the Inquiry into the Detention of Cornelia Rau |publisher=Australian Parliament House |url=http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/legcon_ctte/completed_inquiries/2004-07/migration/submissions/sub49.pdf |access-date=2011-06-30 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
*Associate Professor Nicole Verrills – cancer biologist at the [[University of Newcastle, Australia|University of Newcastle]] and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, and recipient of the 2007 [[Eureka Prizes|Eureka Prize]] for her research on [[leukaemia]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/scientists-honoured-for-sparing-animals-the-lab/2007/08/21/1187462266223.html|title=Scientists honoured for sparing animals the lab|publisher=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|date= 22 August 2007|access-date=2009-01-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Associate Professor Nikki Verrills |date=16 January 2015 |url=https://www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/nikki-verrills#career |publisher=University of Newcastle |access-date=6 June 2020}}</ref>
*[[Kirsten Banks]] – Indigenous Australian astrophysicist and science communicator .<ref>{{cite news|url=https://careerswithstem.com.au/profiles/kirsten-banks-unsw-aboriginal-astronomy/|title=Careers with STEM.}}</ref>

===Media and business===
* Kerry Brewster – Walkley Award-winning television journalist and film-maker for [[Worldwide Television News|WTN]], [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] and [[Special Broadcasting Service|SBS]].<ref>{{cite web| title =SBS Insight – Our Team| publisher =[[Special Broadcasting Service]]| url =http://news.sbs.com.au/insight/team| access-date =2009-06-03| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20071216200158/http://news.sbs.com.au/insight/team| archive-date =16 December 2007| df =dmy-all}}</ref>
* [[Tara Brown]] – Journalist and reporter on the [[Nine Network]] show, ''[[60 Minutes (Australian TV program)|60 Minutes]]'', since 2001.<ref>{{cite web| title =60 Minutes – meet the team: Tara Brown| publisher =[[Nine Network]]| url =http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=260174| access-date =2009-01-16| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20081227163920/http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=260174| archive-date =27 December 2008| url-status =dead| df =dmy-all}}</ref>
* Joshua Murray – 1993 School Captain, Secretary of the NSW [[Transport for NSW|Department of Transport]], former [[chief of staff]] to Premier of NSW [[Morris Iemma]], and [[Walkley Awards|Walkley Award]]-winning Radio Journalist.<ref>{{cite news| title =Metro man finds mates on track| publisher =The Sydney Morning Herald| url =http://www.smh.com.au/national/metro-man-finds-mates-on-track-20091001-geqx.html| access-date = 2009-12-09 | date=2009-10-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title =Walkley 2000 nominees – Joshua Murray – Radio 2UE – "Troops in Timor: The INTERFET Deployment"| publisher =Scoop Independent News| url =http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0010/S00164.htm| access-date = 2009-12-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=New Secretaries appointed to Transport for NSW and Department of Planning and Environment |url=https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/new-secretaries-appointed |access-date=11 August 2023 |publisher=NSW Government |date=13 July 2023 |format=Media Release}}</ref>

===Public service===
* [[Andrew Humpherson]] – politician, former Member for Davidson in the [[New South Wales Parliament|NSW Parliament]] and Deputy Shire President of [[Warringah Council]].<ref>{{cite web| title =Andrew Humpherson (1958– ) (sic)| publisher =[[State Library of New South Wales]]| url =http://parlpapers.sl.nsw.gov.au/display.cfm?parl_id=9100| access-date =2009-06-02| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090714073824/http://www.parlpapers.sl.nsw.gov.au/display.cfm?parl_id=9100| archive-date =14 July 2009| url-status =dead| df =dmy-all}}</ref>
*Commodore [[Richard Menhinick]] {{post-nominals|country=AUS|size=80%|AM|CSC}} – Retired senior officer of the [[Royal Australian Navy]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Officer has a warship command as his target |agency=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=25 April 1992 |page=97}}</ref>
* Michael Wigney – Judge of the [[Federal Court of Australia]] since 9 September 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ceremonial Sitting of the Full Court For the Swearing in and Welcome of the Honourable Justice Wigney|url=http://www.fedcourt.gov.au/publications/judges-speeches/justice-wigney/wigney-j-20130909|website=Federal Court > Judges' Speeches > Wigney-J-20130909|publisher=Federal Court of Australia|access-date=19 November 2014|date=9 September 2013}}</ref>

===Sport===
* [[Georgina Rowe]] – national representative rower, a medallist at the 2018 and 2019 World Rowing Championships.<ref>{{cite news |title=Northern Beaches local wins silver in World Rowing Championships, now heading to Tokyo 2020 Olympics |url=http://www.pittwateronlinenews.com/Georgie-Rowe-Wins-Silver-Australian-Rowing-Eight.php |access-date=13 April 2020 |agency=Pittwater Online News |date=8 August 2019}}</ref>
* [[Geoff Toovey]] – former [[rugby league]] footballer and coach, and former [[NRMA]] Board Director.<ref>{{cite web| title =NRMA – Meet the Board| publisher =[[NRMA]]| url =https://www.mynrma.com.au/cps/rde/xchg/mynrma/hs.xsl/board_of_directors.htm| access-date =2009-06-03| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090616145336/http://www.mynrma.com.au/cps/rde/xchg/mynrma/hs.xsl/board_of_directors.htm| archive-date =16 June 2009| url-status =dead| df =dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Daniel |title=The pupil kicks into a masterly performing role |agency=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=28 April 1990 |page=65}}</ref>

===Entertainment and the arts===
* Lucinda Dunn {{post-nominals|country=AUS|size=80%|OAM}} – Professional dancer and former Principal Artist of the [[Australian Ballet]], 2002–2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=DUNN, Lucinda Joanne – Medal of the Order of Australia|url=https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1149151|website=It's an Honor database|publisher=Australian Government|access-date=27 June 2014|date=26 January 2014|quote=For service to the performing arts through ballet.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Bennett|first1=Rod|title=Australian Ballet legend looks back on a wonderful life and to her sparkling future|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/northern-beaches/australian-ballet-legend-looks-back-on-a-wonderful-life-and-to-her-sparkling-future/story-fngr8hax-1226874560288?nk=213cc027b7225ce11ae11e79cbb85f02|access-date=27 June 2014|agency=The [[Manly Daily]]|date=6 April 2014}}</ref>
* [[Matt Ellis (Australian musician)|Matt Ellis]] – Singer and songwriter
* [[Andrew Farriss]] – keyboardist and key composer for the Australian band [[INXS]].<ref name=INXS/>
* [[Jon Farriss]] – drummer for the Australian band INXS.<ref name=INXS/>
* [[Michael Hutchence]] – original lead singer of the Australian rock band INXS.<ref name=INXS>{{cite web| title =Michael Hutchence: Life| publisher =The Official site of Michael Hutchence| url =http://www.michaelhutchence.org/index.php?page=198| access-date = 2009-01-16 }}</ref>
* [[Guy Maestri]] – contemporary artist and winner of the 2009 [[Archibald Prize]]<ref name=aug/>
* [[Sharon Millerchip]] – [[Helpmann Award]]-winning stage actress and performer.<ref>{{cite web| title =Chicago the musical – Cast| url =http://www.chicagothemusical.com.au/cast.html| access-date =2009-08-24| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090831044003/http://www.chicagothemusical.com.au/cast.html| archive-date =31 August 2009| df =dmy-all}}</ref>
* [[Lachlan Philpott]] – playwright and winner of the 2009 [[Griffin Theatre Company#Griffin Award|Griffin Theatre Company Griffin Award]].<ref>{{cite web| title =Lachlan Philpott| publisher =AustralianPlays.org| url =http://australianplays.org/playwright/PL-46| access-date =2012-05-15| archive-date =5 September 2011| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110905205109/http://australianplays.org/playwright/PL-46| url-status =dead}}</ref>
* [[Danielle Spencer (Australian actress)|Danielle Spencer]] – Singer and songwriter.<ref>{{cite web| title =Danielle Spencer on life with a Hollywood hero| publisher =The Sunday Telegraph| url =http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sunday-telegraph/do-later/story-e6frewt0-1225824682053| access-date = 2010-02-15 }}</ref>

===Notable staff===
* Noila Jean Berglund {{post-nominals|country=AUS|size=80%|AM}} – Deputy Principal (1980–1982), first female Deputy Director-General (Regions and Schools), NSW Department of Education (1990–1993).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231536407 |title=SENIOR APPOINTMENTS |newspaper=Government Gazette of the State Of New South Wales |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=23 February 1990 |access-date=5 June 2020 |page=1727 |via=Trove }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127232776 |title=QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS |newspaper=[[Canberra Times]] |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=14 June 1993 |access-date=5 June 2020 |page=10 |via=Trove }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=UWS Honorary Awards (by name) – Honorary Fellowships |url=http://www.uws.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/396370/Honorary_Awards_as_at_Dec_2012_updated_28_Aug_2013.pdf |publisher=University of Western Sydney |access-date=5 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Noila Jean BERGLUND AM |url=https://tributes.smh.com.au/obituaries/128462/noila-jean-berglund-am/ |access-date=5 June 2020 |agency=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=29 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Parker |first1=Maralyn |title=Leading light in education |agency=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=28 January 1990 |page=133}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://davidson-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/ Davidson High School website]
* [https://www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/schools/8/8479.html School Infrastructure NSW] – Davidson High School

{{High Schools in North Sydney|state=autocollapse}}
{{Public high schools in Sydney|state=autocollapse}}

[[Category:Frenchs Forest, New South Wales]]
[[Category:Public high schools in Sydney]]
[[Category:School buildings completed in 1972]]
[[Category:Rock Eisteddfod Challenge participants]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1972]]
[[Category:1972 establishments in Australia]]