Christine Borsellino

In September 1993, Colin Macdonald Community School was founded as Dundas Montessori School. Located in Colin Macdonald and Barbara Milne's basement, it started with eight students aged 3 to 10 years.

The school's co-founder, Colin Macdonald, was a Montessori Teacher certified to teach both the Casa and Junior levels. His vision was to provide a creative and child-centred approach to education based on mutual respect.

This vision also encourages children to make choices and learn and develop at their own pace in a caring, enriched classroom environment.

In January 1994, Colin died in a car accident at the age of 39. Barbara Milne decided to devote her energy to fulfilling Colin's dream. The school was renamed Colin Macdonald Alternative School in his honour.

In September 1994, the school moved into the basement of St. James Anglican Church in Dundas, where it thrived, eventually outgrowing this space.

In September 1999, the school moved to University Gardens School in Dundas. In April of 2000, University Gardens School was bought by the Francophone Public Board.

In September 2000, Colin Macdonald Alternative School found its home in the former Binkley School on Sanders Boulevard in West Hamilton.

In January 2001, Colin Macdonald Alternative School was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation.

2003 marked the school's tenth anniversary. Colin Macdonald Alternative School had grown from 8 to 110 students and 1 to 16 full-time teaching and administrative staff members.

In 2004, Colin Macdonald Alternative School became Colin Macdonald Community School, reflecting the school's highly community-focused approach while maintaining its commitment to alternative education.

In 2005, continuing to fulfil Colin's philosophy of education, Barbara Milne passed the torch to Christine Borsellino, a teacher who has been with the school since its beginning and taught with Colin.

Christine is equally committed to supporting a dedicated teaching and administrative staff whose focus is to inspire positive learning experiences, combining freedom and responsibility in the education of the whole child.

In the summer of 2009, Colin Macdonald Community School moved two blocks down the road to 1570 Main Street West.

Since 2020, we were located at 201 Paradise Road North, footsteps from the picturesque Cootes Paradise. Our warm and inviting school was home-like and in a quiet community setting. 

The 2023/2024 school year celebrated 30 years of educating our community. 

Starting September 2024, CMCS is starting a new chapter, entering a long-term partnership with Erskine Presbyterian at 19 Pearl St. N. Our new home is a historic Hamilton landmark featuring large bright classrooms and a location that balances access to nature with cultural assets.