About our Principal - Caroline David

I could not be prouder of Woonona High School, where every student is provided with every opportunity for success. The recent government announcement that we will have one of 20 new Year 7 Extension classes under the government's Inspire program will ensure that Woonona High School continues to be a centre of excellence for every child, where everyone can reach their potential and thrive, whether it be academic, in the creative and performing arts, sport, or leadership. Our teachers have special training in how to recognise the talent in every student and to challenge them to make the most of their abilities with the added mental health and wellbeing benefits of being in their local community with their local peers.

Since becoming principal in 2018, I have focused on enhancing student learning through the 4Cs pedagogy—Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Creativity, skills that are essential for success in post school pathways. This approach has helped our students excel, including the Class of 2024, who achieved the highest average HSC score of any non-selective school in the Illawarra and South Coast, and the Class of 2025 who achieved the highest number of Distinguished Achievers (Scores over 90%) in the history of the school and the only All Rounder (all 10 units above 90%) in the extended region.

I have a background in Economics and Japanese at both Bachelor and Masters levels and I am currently in 4th year of a part-time PhD at the University of Sydney, with the research questions "How public comprehensive schools are represented in the media and how their principals frame success".

Before teaching, I gained diverse experience in roles ranging from working at Sony’s PlayStation factory in Japan to managing transport for the Australian Paralympic Team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. These experiences, and being able to speak fluent Japanese, have led me to create a bespoke inbound and outbound Japanese exchange program building strong connections and strengthening ties with our sister schools in Japan and also hosting pre-service teachers from Waseda University.

I am proud of our inclusive school, which provides pathways for all students to reach their potential. I regularly hold Community Consultations and look forward to hearing your thoughts on how we can even better support our students, including the quirky ones like me!

Acknowledgement of Country

Woonona High School would like to acknowledge and pay our respects to the Wodi Wodi, Five Island Dreaming and Dharawal People as they are the traditional custodians and carers of Country, on whose land we stand.

We acknowledge the local Dreaming stories with connections to both Sandon Point and Bellambi Point, and respect the rich and resilient Aboriginal culture that is still alive today.

We must always remember this land is, was and always will be Aboriginal land.

Key dates

Find term dates, school holidays and other important dates for all NSW public schools.

View key dates for NSW public schools