About Our School

We offer a wide range of programs and services to students in the Durham Region who, for various reasons, may experience challenges achieving success in a traditional school setting. 

Through smaller class sizes, opportunities for independent study, co-op placements, dual credits, as well as options for both part and full-time programs, we are able to tailor programs to meet the individual learning needs of our students. 

The following is a list of programs offered through our school and their locations. All of these programs can all lead to an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD):

• Reconnect - Learning to 18;
• Catholic Return Ticket;
• Centre for Success - Durham College.

As Catholic educators, we live according to our Father's code and to lead our students, by example, to live the basic truths of the gospel message. This is an awesome, yet inspiring challenge which we share with the parents of our young men and women.

Children learn what they live. Each day we have the opportunity to teach our students:

• to love by the way we love;
• to be generous by our generosity;
• to be passionate by our compassion; and
• to be forgiving by the way we forgive.

However, a person cannot give what he or she does not have. Unless we are living the Gospel message, we cannot lead our students to do so.

There are many hallmarks of a Catholic educator, including:

• Prayer - The challenges of our vocation, and indeed life in general, are great. To meet them we need to follow Christ's advice that we "ask the father in My name". Each Catholic educator has a duty to expose students to his or her particular style of prayer in order to assist students to recognize the value of prayer in daily life.
• Eucharist - Parish, school, and staff liturgies provide opportunities to celebrate our faith. Our example can testify to the Eucharist as a joyful source of strength and community building.
• Social Justice - This is the heart of the Christian message, that we "love one another as I have loved you". As our brother's and sister's keepers, we must be concerned about the aged, the poor, the oppressed, and any other marginalized group - both at home and abroad.

Father Donald MacLellan Catholic Secondary School was established in 2007 with a mission to support student success through innovative and compassionate pathways to learning. From its humble beginnings at a temporary location connected to Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic Secondary School, the school has grown to serve students across Durham Region through programs including Catholic Return Ticket, Reconnect, and the Centre for Success at Durham College. These specialized programs provide students with personalized academic, social, and emotional supports, helping them overcome challenges, earn credits, and achieve their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Named in honour of Father Donald MacLellan, a beloved priest, chaplain, and mentor, the school reflects his legacy of faith, compassion, and unwavering commitment to young people. Known for his warmth, humour, and dedication to helping others, Father MacLellan built meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff throughout Durham Catholic schools. Officially named in his honour in 2010 and blessed in 2012, Father Donald MacLellan Catholic Secondary School continues to embody his belief that every student deserves encouragement, dignity, and the opportunity to succeed. 

Our Board's School Year Calendar is now available. Please visit our school year calendar webpage to learn more about upcoming events and activities happening at school. 

We welcome your questions, comments and concerns.

458 Fairall Street, Unit 7
Ajax, ON L1S 1R6

Phone: (905) 666-1146
Fax: (905) 683-9436