Despite teaching one of the toughest subjects taught in schools, David is regularly described by his students as “awesome” and the “best teacher ever”.

In the words of his students, for the past 35 years David has shown and proven to hundreds of students at KHS that science “can and is cool”.

“I always hated science before I had Mr Dunn,” year seven pupil Mitchell Francis said. “Now it’s pretty fun.”

In what is sure to come as a blow to parents secretly hoping their children will grow up to become a cardiologist or astronaut, the father-of-four has decided to hang up his pristine lab jacket for the last time this week.

While excited to be moving onto the next chapter of his life, the KHS institution admits it will be hard to walk away from his decorated career as an educator and the

students he relished the opportunity to teach.

“I will miss the contact with children that really want to learn and really have a passion for science,” he said.

“I will particularly miss taking my chemistry classes. It is my favourite subject and I had a particularly top class this year.

“I will also miss the opportunity to introduce kids to science and watch as there knowledge grows.”

After completing his studies at Sydney University to become and mathematics and science teacher, David accepted his first full-time appointment at a high school in Cobar.

Six years later David was forced to leave the crippled mining town, settling in Wagga and commencing his teaching career at KHS.

“I would not have done what I have done for 41 years if I had not enjoyed it,” he said.

“I knew straight away I was on a good wicket at Kooringal High School.

“I feel I have been privileged to have had this role for such a long time.”

David boosts an extensive resume complete with numerous accomplishments, achievements and accolades, but he revealed he is most proud of the contribution he has made to helping budding scientists fulfil their potential.