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Davidson High School (New South Wales)
Encyclopedia
Davidson High School, is a school located in Frenchs Forest, Sydney, New South Wales
, Australia
, on Mimosa Street. It is a co-educational high school
operated by the New South Wales Department of Education and Training
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.
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. Many of its alumni have gone on to notable success, some taking high public office and others gaining distinction within their particular fields.
, a popular Governor of New South Wales from 1918 until his death in 1923, and to whom the parklands of 2500 acres (10.1 km²) called Davidson Park were dedicated. This forms the western boundary of Davidson
.
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.
The school's earliest students were housed at Killarney Heights High School
from 1972-1973. 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, designed by the New South Wales Government Architect
, Edward Farmer, were first completed and occupied in September 1973.
Despite the library not being completed until 1976, the school was officially opened in January 1974 by the NSW Minister for Education, The Hon. Eric Willis
. The ceremony was also attended by Dick Healey
(Member for Davidson
1971-1981), Harry Turner, (Member for Bradfield
, 1952–1974) and the 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."
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. 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. Teacher of Music since 1989, Helen Oberg, was also awarded the NSW Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1995. In October 1997 Davidson High School made a sister School agreement with Morioka Chuo High School in Morioka, Japan
. In 1999 Davidson High School was awarded the Director-General's Award for School Achievement for "Achievements in Agenda Priority Areas".
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. In 2011, Davidson High signed a school partnership agreement with the Collège Sainte-Anne de Lachine
in Lachine, Quebec
, Canada
.
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 use the crest, shield and tartan of Clan Davidson of Tulloch. The distinctive tartan colours and the stag's head were incorporated in the badge, and are still used as part of the uniform. The Clan Davidson and subsequently Davidson High Motto - 'Sapienter si Sincere' - means 'Wisely if Sincerely' or alternately, 'with wisdom if with sincerity'.
However, during the tenure of the third Principal, Roy Beauman, the motto was altered on the shield from the Latin 'Sapienter si Sincere' to English and the words transposed to read 'Sincerely if Wisely'. The ornate shield was removed from the crest and was produced in green, white, navy and brown. A further change occurred during the tenure of Principal John McManus, and the motto was atered on the crest to 'Wisely Sincerely'. The crest underwent further design changes and was enclosed by a different shield, produced in red and navy.
The Principal of DHS from 1992-1996 was Roslynne Moxham. In 2002, she was awarded a Fellowship of the Australian College of Educators
(FACE) for "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." She has also been Principal of Fort Street High School
since 2000.
The Principal of Davidson High from 2002-2005 was Chris Bonnor. During that time he was President of the NSW Secondary Principals Council from 2001–2006 and was also a Member of the Australian College of Educators
(MACE). Previously he had also been Principal of Asquith Boys’ High School
from 1991-2000. 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."
The Principal of Davidson High School 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. In October 2011, Jann Pattinson was appointed as the new Principal of Davidson High, effective from the 17 November. Pattinson is the coordinator of the Pittwater Community of Schools and also the 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
.
The current houses of Davidson High School and their associated colours are Gamma (Yellow), Alpha (Blue), Delta (Green) and Beta (Red).
The houses compete in three sporting carnivals. In the summer season, a Swimming Carnival is held, and in the winter months an Athletic Carnival. There is also a cross-country run held in the autumn.
The music program at Davidson comprises three bands, Concert Band 2 for years 7-10 and Concert Band 1 for Seniors and all capable students, and a Stage Band for all students. The Bands annually perform at the Season of Performing Arts (SOPA) at the Glen Street Theatre, school functions, and at the Northern Beaches Eisteddfod. There are also Instrumental ensembles that deal with smaller groups such as Brass, Clarinet and Saxophone.
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
.
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.
In Dance, students perform in many styles and groups and in many competitions such as the NSW Rock Eisteddfod Challenge
, in which Davidson has been performing since it began in 1980 and is the only remaining original school, and the Season of Performing Arts, with a history going back to the 1980s.
, who said that the production presented an "extremely biased view" of the war. 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, Dr. Andrew Refshauge
. 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.
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 Davidson "interestingly" did the performance around the time of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
(APEC) summit, where U.S. President George Bush
and other foreign leaders would be visiting. The performance was defended by the NSW 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."
.
At the instigation of the second Principal, Austin Hayes, the first student council was formed in 1976, and the first School Captains were elected in 1975. The Student Representative Council (SRC) consists of students elected from years 7-11 who are active in the school and have an input into school and student issues.
In senior years there is the Senior Leadership Team, consisting of two School Captain
s, four School Vice-Captains and the Prefects, who are elected by their year and are ambassadors for the school, directing assemblies and providing leadership for the school and extra-curricular activities.
In addition to this, there are also four House Captains elected for each house: two Junior Captains from year 10 and two Senior Captains from year 12. The House Captains provide leadership and direction for House activities in the School Carnivals and other sporting events.
There are other programs organised for the purpose of developing leadership in students. These include the Flying Squad, who act as peers to Primary Students, going to various schools around the area; and the Peer Mentors from year 10 who support year 7 students through the transition into high school.
Debating and Public Speaking also play a significant role in the school, with previous student involvement in the Premier's Debating Challenge, New South Wales Law Society
Mock Trial
Competition, the Sydney Morning Herald Public Speaking Competition, Rotary
'Youth Speaks' Competition, and the Rotary Model United Nations
Assembly.
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, on Mimosa Street. It is a co-educational high school
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
operated by the New South Wales Department of Education and Training
New South Wales Department of Education and Training
The New South Wales Department of Education and Communities, a department of the Government of New South Wales, is responsibile for primary schools, secondary schools and Technical and Further Education colleges...
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.
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
Glen Street Theatre
Glen Street Theatre is a 400 seat proscenium arch auditorium located in the Forest Community Centre at the corner of Glen Street and Blackbutts Road in Belrose. It was opened on 6 July 1985 by Warringah Shire President Darren Jones, and it now has a reputation as one of the most successful regional...
. 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. Many of its alumni have gone on to notable success, some taking high public office and others gaining distinction within their particular fields.
History
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. The new suburb, and consequently the new high school, was named after Sir Walter DavidsonWalter Edward Davidson
Sir Walter Edward Davidson KCMG was a colonial Administrator and diplomat. He served periods as Governor of the Seychelles, Governor of Newfoundland and as Governor of New South Wales, in which he died in office....
, a popular Governor of New South Wales from 1918 until his death in 1923, and to whom the parklands of 2500 acres (10.1 km²) called Davidson Park were dedicated. This forms the western boundary of Davidson
Davidson, New South Wales
Davidson is a suburb of northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Davidson is located 20 kilometres north-east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Warringah Council...
.
A meeting was called on 12 August 1971 at Wakehurst Public School
Wakehurst Public School
Wakehurst Public School is a co-educational primary school located in the Sydney suburb of Belrose, and draws its students predominantly from the surrounding suburbs of Belrose, Davidson and Frenchs Forest...
. 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.
The school's earliest students were housed at Killarney Heights High School
Killarney Heights High School
Killarney Heights High School is a coeducational, comprehensive high school located on Starkey Street, Killarney Heights near the Northern Beaches of Sydney...
from 1972-1973. In early 1973, Year 7 classes were situated in Mimosa Public School
Mimosa public school
Mimosa Public School, is a school located in Frenchs Forest Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is a co-educational Public school operated by the New South Wales Department of Education and Training with students from years K to 6...
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, designed by the New South Wales Government Architect
New South Wales Government Architect
The New South Wales Government Architect is an officer of the New South Wales government. Historically, the government architect was in charge of the state government's public building projects....
, Edward Farmer, were first completed and occupied in September 1973.
Eric Willis
Sir Eric Archibald Willis KBE, CMG was an Australian politician, Cabinet Minister and the 34th Premier of New South Wales, serving from 23 January 1976 to 14 May 1976. Born in Murwillumbah in 1922, Willis was educated at Murwillumbah High School and the University of Sydney, where he obtained a...
. The ceremony was also attended by Dick Healey
Dick Healey
Richard Owen Healey was a New South Wales politician, ABC Sports Broadcaster and Minister of the Crown in the cabinets of Sir Robert Askin, Tom Lewis and Sir Eric Willis. From 1973 to 1975 he was Minister for Youth and Community Services, when he was made Minister for Health, which he held until...
(Member for Davidson
Electoral district of Davidson
Davidson is an electoral district of the Legislative Assembly in the Australian state of New South Wales. It is represented by Jonathan O'Dea of the Liberal Party of Australia.-Members for Davidson:-Election results:...
1971-1981), Harry Turner, (Member for Bradfield
Division of Bradfield
The Division of Bradfield is an Australian Electoral Division in New South Wales. The division was created in 1949 and is named for Dr John Bradfield, the designer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is located in the upper North Shore, and includes the suburbs of Chatswood, Killara, St Ives and...
, 1952–1974) and the 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."
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. 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. Teacher of Music since 1989, Helen Oberg, was also awarded the NSW Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1995. In October 1997 Davidson High School made a sister School agreement with Morioka Chuo High School in Morioka, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. In 1999 Davidson High School was awarded the Director-General's Award for School Achievement for "Achievements in Agenda Priority Areas".
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. In 2011, Davidson High signed a school partnership agreement with the Collège Sainte-Anne de Lachine
Collège Sainte-Anne de Lachine
- Background :Collège Sainte-Anne de Lachine is a private Canadian high school located in Lachine, Quebec, Canada, a former city on the Island of Montreal which is now a borough within the city of Montreal....
in Lachine, Quebec
Lachine, Quebec
Lachine was a city on the Island of Montreal in southwestern Quebec, Canada. It is now a borough within the city of Montreal.-History:...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
Crest and motto
Clan Davidson
Clan Davidson is a Highland Scottish clan. The clan was also part of the Chattan Confederation.-History:When the power of the Comyns began to wane in Badenoch, David Dubh of Invernahaven, Chief of Davidsons, having married the daughter of Angus, 6th of MacKintosh, sought the protection of William,...
to use the crest, shield and tartan of Clan Davidson of Tulloch. The distinctive tartan colours and the stag's head were incorporated in the badge, and are still used as part of the uniform. The Clan Davidson and subsequently Davidson High Motto - 'Sapienter si Sincere' - means 'Wisely if Sincerely' or alternately, 'with wisdom if with sincerity'.
However, during the tenure of the third Principal, Roy Beauman, the motto was altered on the shield from the Latin 'Sapienter si Sincere' to English and the words transposed to read 'Sincerely if Wisely'. The ornate shield was removed from the crest and was produced in green, white, navy and brown. A further change occurred during the tenure of Principal John McManus, and the motto was atered on the crest to 'Wisely Sincerely'. The crest underwent further design changes and was enclosed by a different shield, produced in red and navy.
Principals
| Years | Davidson High School |
|---|---|
| 1972–1974 | William Lambert, B.A. |
| 1975–1979 | Austin Hayes, B.A. |
| 1980–1982 | Betty Anderson, B.A. |
| 1983–1987 | Roy Beuman, A.S.T.C. |
| 1988–1990 | John McManus, B.A. |
| 1991–1992 | Grahame Roe, B.A. B.Ed. Dip.Ed. |
| 1992–1996 | Roslynne Moxham, M.A.Ed. B.Mus. Ed.A. Mus.A. F.A.C.E. |
| 1997–2002 | Mark Anderson, M.Ed. B.A. Dip.Ed. |
| 2002–2005 | Chris Bonnor, AM B.A.(Hons) Dip.Ed. Dip.Soc.Ed. M.A.C.E. |
| 2006–2011 | Rod Cawsey, M.Ed. B.A. Dip.Teach |
| 2011– | Jann Pattinson, B.Sc. Dip.Ed. |
Senior staff
Australian College of Educators
The Australian College of Educators is the principal organisation representing the field of teaching and education in Australia, and acts as the independent interest body for Australian teachers...
(FACE) for "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." She has also been Principal of Fort Street High School
Fort Street High School
Fort Street High School is a co-educational, academically selective, public high school currently located at Petersham, an inner western suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia....
since 2000.
The Principal of Davidson High from 2002-2005 was Chris Bonnor. During that time he was President of the NSW Secondary Principals Council from 2001–2006 and was also a Member of the Australian College of Educators
Australian College of Educators
The Australian College of Educators is the principal organisation representing the field of teaching and education in Australia, and acts as the independent interest body for Australian teachers...
(MACE). Previously he had also been Principal of Asquith Boys’ High School
Asquith Boys High School
Asquith Boys High School, is a school located in Asquith, New South Wales, Australia, on Jersey Street. It is a boys high school operated by the New South Wales Department of Education and Training with students from years 7 to 12...
from 1991-2000. 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."
The Principal of Davidson High School 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. In October 2011, Jann Pattinson was appointed as the new Principal of Davidson High, effective from the 17 November. Pattinson is the coordinator of the Pittwater Community of Schools and also the STEM Project Manager for Macquarie University
Macquarie University
Macquarie University is an Australian public teaching and research university located in Sydney, with its main campus situated in Macquarie Park. Founded in 1964 by the New South Wales Government, it was the third university to be established in the metropolitan area of Sydney...
. 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
Moss Vale High School
Moss Vale High School is a secondary public school in Moss Vale. The school is one of two major public high schools in the Southern Highlands, the other being Bowral High.According to Department of Education & Training;...
.
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.The current houses of Davidson High School and their associated colours are Gamma (Yellow), Alpha (Blue), Delta (Green) and Beta (Red).
The houses compete in three sporting carnivals. In the summer season, a Swimming Carnival is held, and in the winter months an Athletic Carnival. There is also a cross-country run held in the autumn.
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.The music program at Davidson comprises three bands, Concert Band 2 for years 7-10 and Concert Band 1 for Seniors and all capable students, and a Stage Band for all students. The Bands annually perform at the Season of Performing Arts (SOPA) at the Glen Street Theatre, school functions, and at the Northern Beaches Eisteddfod. There are also Instrumental ensembles that deal with smaller groups such as Brass, Clarinet and Saxophone.
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
Schools Spectacular
The Schools Spectacular is an Australian variety show featuring more than 3000 young students and is performed annually at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Highlights of the Schools Spectacular are broadcast each year by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation....
.
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.
Rock Eisteddfod Challenge
The Rock Eisteddfod Challenge is a series of dance and drama events staged worldwide by school pupils as part of the Global Rock Challenge. These events are initiated by the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge Foundation, and aim to promote healthy lifestyle choices, particularly abstinence from drugs,...
, in which Davidson has been performing since it began in 1980 and is the only remaining original school, and the Season of Performing Arts, with a history going back to the 1980s.
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, Dr. Brendan NelsonBrendan Nelson
Dr Brendan John Nelson is a former Australian politician and former federal Opposition leader. He served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives from the 1996 federal election until 19 October 2009 as the Liberal member for Bradfield, a northern Sydney seat...
, who said that the production presented an "extremely biased view" of the war. 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, Dr. Andrew Refshauge
Andrew Refshauge
Andrew John Refshauge was an Australian politician and Deputy Premier of New South Wales from 1995 to 2005.Refshauge was born in Melbourne, the son of Major-General Sir William Refshauge AC CBE ED , who later became Honorary Physician to Queen Elizabeth II 1955–64 and Director-General of the...
. Despite this, Davidson went on to take joint first place with Rose Bay Secondary College
Rose Bay Secondary College
Rose Bay Secondary College is a co-educational public high school located in the Sydney suburb of Dover Heights, in New South Wales, Australia...
in the Open grand final and performed at the national competition.
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
Julie Bishop
Julie Isabel Bishop is an Australian politician and the current Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Australia. She holds this title as the deputy leader of the Liberal Party of Australia. She is the party's first female Deputy Leader and the third woman in Australian history to...
, who accused the teachers of having "private political agendas" and said that Davidson "interestingly" did the performance around the time of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is a forum for 21 Pacific Rim countries that seeks to promote free trade and economic cooperation throughout the Asia-Pacific region...
(APEC) summit, where U.S. President George Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
and other foreign leaders would be visiting. The performance was defended by the NSW Minister for Education and Training
New South Wales Department of Education and Training
The New South Wales Department of Education and Communities, a department of the Government of New South Wales, is responsibile for primary schools, secondary schools and Technical and Further Education colleges...
, John Della Bosca
John Della Bosca
John Joseph Della Bosca is a former Australian politician, representing the Australian Labor Party in the New South Wales Legislative Council...
, 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."
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 in term two over two nights at the local Glen Street TheatreGlen Street Theatre
Glen Street Theatre is a 400 seat proscenium arch auditorium located in the Forest Community Centre at the corner of Glen Street and Blackbutts Road in Belrose. It was opened on 6 July 1985 by Warringah Shire President Darren Jones, and it now has a reputation as one of the most successful regional...
.
Student leadership
Davidson High School has a number of leadership opportunities, including Captaincy, Prefecture and Representative positions. All are recognised in various ways, such as badges, blazers, or blues points.At the instigation of the second Principal, Austin Hayes, the first student council was formed in 1976, and the first School Captains were elected in 1975. The Student Representative Council (SRC) consists of students elected from years 7-11 who are active in the school and have an input into school and student issues.
In senior years there is the Senior Leadership Team, consisting of two School Captain
School Captain
School Captain is a student appointed or elected to represent the school.This student, usually in the senior year, in their final year of attending that school...
s, four School Vice-Captains and the Prefects, who are elected by their year and are ambassadors for the school, directing assemblies and providing leadership for the school and extra-curricular activities.
In addition to this, there are also four House Captains elected for each house: two Junior Captains from year 10 and two Senior Captains from year 12. The House Captains provide leadership and direction for House activities in the School Carnivals and other sporting events.
There are other programs organised for the purpose of developing leadership in students. These include the Flying Squad, who act as peers to Primary Students, going to various schools around the area; and the Peer Mentors from year 10 who support year 7 students through the transition into high school.
Debating and Public Speaking also play a significant role in the school, with previous student involvement in the Premier's Debating Challenge, New South Wales Law Society
Law society
A Law Society in current and former Commonwealth jurisdictions was historically an association of solicitors with a regulatory role that included the right to supervise the training, qualifications and conduct of lawyers/solicitors...
Mock Trial
Mock trial
A Mock Trial is an act or imitation trial. It is similar to a moot court, but mock trials simulate lower-court trials, while moot court simulates appellate court hearings. Attorneys preparing for a real trial might use a mock trial consisting of volunteers as role players to test theories or...
Competition, the Sydney Morning Herald Public Speaking Competition, Rotary
Rotary International
Rotary International is an organization of service clubs known as Rotary Clubs located all over the world. The stated purpose of the organization is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help...
'Youth Speaks' Competition, and the Rotary Model United Nations
Model United Nations
Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda....
Assembly.
Academics and community
- Sarah Dunbar, 2004 Young Australian of the Year finalist, for her community and humanitarian work.
- Professor Cathy Owen, Professor of Psychiatry and former Director of the Medical Education Unit at the Australian National UniversityAustralian National UniversityThe Australian National University is a teaching and research university located in the Australian capital, Canberra.As of 2009, the ANU employs 3,945 administrative staff who teach approximately 10,000 undergraduates, and 7,500 postgraduate students...
Medical School, Canberra. - Cornelia RauCornelia RauCornelia Rau is a German citizen and Australian permanent resident who was unlawfully detained for a period of ten months in 2004 and 2005 as part of the Australian Government's mandatory detention program.- Overview :...
- German citizen and Australian permanent resident who was unlawfully detained as part of the mandatory detention program. - Dr. Nicole Verrills, Researcher at the School of Biomedical sciences at Newcastle UniversityUniversity of Newcastle, AustraliaThe University of Newcastle is an Australian public university that was established in 1965. The University's main and largest campus is located in Callaghan, a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales...
and recipient of the Australian Museum Eureka PrizeEureka PrizesThe Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are annual Australian science prizes awarded in the fields of scientific research & innovation, science leadership, science communication & journalism and school science. There is also a People's Choice Award which is decided by popular public vote.The finalists...
for her research on leukaemia.
Politics, defence and media
- Kerry Brewster, a Walkley Award-winning television journalist and film-maker for WTN, ABC'sAustralian Broadcasting CorporationThe Australian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly referred to as "the ABC" , is Australia's national public broadcaster...
"7.30 Report" and SBS'Special Broadcasting ServiceThe Special Broadcasting Service is a hybrid-funded Australian public broadcasting radio and television network. The stated purpose of SBS is "to provide multilingual and multicultural radio and television services that inform, educate and entertain all Australians and, in doing so, reflect...
"Dateline" and "Insight". - Tara BrownTara BrownTara Brown is an Australian television presenter. She was born in Sydney, NSW, Australia.On 25 October 2008, she gave birth to her first son, Jack Cooper.-Nine Network:...
, Journalist and reporter on the Nine NetworkNine NetworkThe Nine Network , is an Australian television network with headquarters based in Willoughby, a suburb located on the North Shore of Sydney. For 50 years since television's inception in Australia, between 1956 and 2006, it was the most watched television network in Australia...
show, 60 minutes, since 2001. - Andrew HumphersonAndrew HumphersonAndrew Humpherson, is a former Australian politician, elected as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Davidson from 1992-2007.-Early life:...
, Australian politician, former Member for Davidson in the NSW Parliament and Deputy Shire President of Warringah CouncilWarringah CouncilWarringah is a local council area in the Northern Beaches region of Sydney, Australia. Warringah Council overlaps with a number of suburbs from the Manly Council area to the south and the Pittwater Council area to the north...
. - Joshua Murray, 1993 School Captain, former Chief of StaffChief of StaffThe title, chief of staff, identifies the leader of a complex organization, institution, or body of persons and it also may identify a Principal Staff Officer , who is the coordinator of the supporting staff or a primary aide to an important individual, such as a president.In general, a chief of...
to Premier of NSW, Morris IemmaMorris IemmaMorris Iemma , is a former Australian politician and 40th Premier of New South Wales, succeeding Bob Carr after he resigned on 3 August 2005. Iemma led the Australian Labor Party to victory in the 2007 election before resigning as Premier on 5 September 2008, and as a Member of Parliament on 19...
, and Walkley AwardWalkley AwardsThe annual Walkley Awards, under the administration of the Walkley Foundation for Journalism, are presented in Australia to recognise and reward excellence in journalism. Finalists are chosen by an independent board of eminent journalists and photographers. The awards cover all media including...
-winning Radio Journalist. - Lieutenant Commander Peter Smith - RANRoyal Australian NavyThe Royal Australian Navy is the naval branch of the Australian Defence Force. Following the Federation of Australia in 1901, the ships and resources of the separate colonial navies were integrated into a national force: the Commonwealth Naval Forces...
Senior Medical Advisor, Diving Medicine and Officer-In-Charge of the Submarine Underwater Medicine Unit (SUMU).
Sport
- Geoff TooveyGeoff TooveyGeoffrey "Geoff" Toovey is an Australian rugby league coach and former professional player of the late 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. He was educated at Davidson High School...
, former Australian rugby leagueRugby leagueRugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
player and current member of the NRMA Board of Directors.
Entertainment and the arts
- Lucinda Dunn, Professional Dancer and Principal Artist of the Australian Ballet since 2002.
- Andrew FarrissAndrew FarrissAndrew Charles Farriss is a rock musician , best known as the keyboardist and main composer for the Australian band INXS.-Career:...
, keyboardist and key composer for the AustraliaAustraliaAustralia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n band INXSINXSINXS are an Australian rock band, formed as The Farriss Brothers in 1977 in Sydney, New South Wales. Mainstays are Garry Gary Beers on bass guitar, Andrew Farriss on guitar/keyboards, Jon Farriss on drums, Tim Farriss on lead guitar and Kirk Pengilly on guitar/sax...
. - Jon FarrissJon FarrissJon Farriss is the drummer for the Australian rock band INXS.-Biography:...
, drummer for the Australian band INXS. - Michael HutchenceMichael HutchenceMichael Kelland John Hutchence was an Australian musician and actor. He was the founding lead singer-songwriter of rock band :INXS from 1977 to his death in 1997, a period of twenty years. Hutchence was a member of short-lived pop rock group Max Q and recorded solo material which was released...
, was the original lead singer of the Australian rock band INXS. - Guy MaestriGuy MaestriGuy Maestri is an Australian contemporary artist who won the 2009 Archibald Prize for a portrait of Australian singer and musician Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu....
, Australian contemporary artist and winner of the 2009 Archibald PrizeArchibald PrizeThe Archibald Prize is regarded as the most important portraiture prize in Australia. It was first awarded in 1921 after a bequest from J. F. Archibald, the editor of The Bulletin who died in 1919... - Sharon Millerchip, Helpmann AwardHelpmann AwardThe Helpmann Awards recognize distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in Australia's live performing arts sectors. The recognized disciplines include musical and physical theatre, contemporary and classical music, opera, and dance, with a comedy category introduced in 2006...
-winning stage actress and performer. - Danielle Spencer, Australian Singer-songwriter.
See also
- List of Government schools in New South Wales
- Rock Eisteddfod Challenge resultsRock Eisteddfod Challenge resultsThis it is list of the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge results- Hobart results:1st – Launceston Church Grammar School2nd – Riverside High School- Melbourne Premier Division grand final results:1st – Brunswick Secondary College - Submerged...
- Electoral district of DavidsonElectoral district of DavidsonDavidson is an electoral district of the Legislative Assembly in the Australian state of New South Wales. It is represented by Jonathan O'Dea of the Liberal Party of Australia.-Members for Davidson:-Election results:...
- Division of MackellarDivision of MackellarThe Division of Mackellar is an Australian Electoral Division in the state of New South Wales. It is located in the Northern Beaches region of Sydney, on the Pacific coast, south of Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River. It includes the suburbs of Narrabeen, Beacon Hill, Newport, Palm Beach and...
- Warringah CouncilWarringah CouncilWarringah is a local council area in the Northern Beaches region of Sydney, Australia. Warringah Council overlaps with a number of suburbs from the Manly Council area to the south and the Pittwater Council area to the north...