"Sir John A. Macdonald Collegiate is a student-centered, non-semestered community school which strives to maintain its traditions of academic, athletic, and artistic excellence, to educate the whole person and to encourage all students to reach their individual potentials."

- Mission Statement

School Crest, Colours,
and Motto


The official school crest, colours and motto were selected to reflect the life and work Sir John. The crest contains a map of Canada and the symbols of the Macdonald clan: a white coronet, a mailed fist, and crossed crosslets. Red, Royal Purple, and White, which predominate in the tartan of Sir John's family clan, Clanranald, were selected as official school colours. It is hoped that the school motto "Prudentia et Scientia" (Vision and knowledge) will continue to encourage future students to emulate these qualities which were possessed to a high degree by Sir John A. Macdonald.

The School

Sir John A. Macdonald Collegiate has a 35-year history of excellence. The school maintains high expectations for its students, assisted by a highly dedicated staff. Students experience a learning environment where academics, athletic and artistic excellence, and student safety are a priority. We are confident that when our students leave Macdonald, they are well prepared for any future directions they may choose. Eighty percent of our graduates are accepted into university programs, and last year almost one-third were offered scholarships.

Macdonald is a student-centred school where students feel they belong - a complete community school. It is part of a Grade 1 to OAC school campus shared with J.B. Tyrrell Senior Public School and Fairglen Public School, a unique partnership offering a continuum of music education with an integration of music teaching staffs among the schools.

At Macdonald, we believe that the education of our students in the new millennium is best achieved through a genuine partnership of school and community. To reflect the values and changing needs of society, mutually beneficial alliances with parents, post-secondary schools, businesses, and industries are vital.

Enrichment opportunities are provided for high achieving students through our Medallion Program; other special needs receive support from the Special Education Department.

Our co-curricular programs offers numerous opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom and to enrich a student's high school life. At Mac, school is more than classes and homework. Students who come to Macdonald work on their futures.