Our School - History

Davidson High School was originally to be called Sorlie High School after George Sorlie an idealistic developer of land in the district. The residents of the area requested a change of name for both suburb, and consequently the new high school. Davidson commemorates a popular Governor of New South Wales who died in office in 1923, and to whom the parklands of 2500 acres called Davidson Park were dedicated. This forms the western boundary of the suburb of Davidson.

The school's earliest students were housed at Killarney Heights High School in 1972-1973, and the parents of these students were granted permission by the Lairds of the Davidson Clan to use the crest, shield and tartan of Clan Davidson of Tulloch. The distinctive green, red, navy and black tartan and the stag's head and red whortleberry were incorporated in the badge, and were used as part of the uniform and as the school crest. The Clan Davidson Motto - 'Sapienter si Sincere' - means 'Wisely if Sincerely'.

The crest and motto, adapted from the original crest and motto of the Clan Davidson, has undergone several changes since its inception. During the tenure of Principal, Roy Beauman, the motto was altered from Latin 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. He changed the motto to 'Wisely Sincerely'. The crest underwent design changes and was enclosed by a different shield and produced in red and navy only.