In late 1942, the Pacific Campaign of World War II was at its peak and the Colonial Authority was issued a command that all urban schools should close and surrender their compounds for use as military camps for forces fighting the Japanese threat.
After consultation with the heads of the Methodist Church, he received permission to use the Principal's residence at the Davuilevu Technical School, in Nausori.
During the 1943 Methodist Church Annual Conference, Donnelly received permission to expand his classes along the same ridge and as a result, the boys themselves, with his guidance, built three large bures, where the teachers staff quarters presently stand.
[clarification needed] Under Donnelly's guidance, the Lelean school motto, “Seek wisdom and spiritual understanding” was formulated.
[citation needed] He was married to Ella Mildred Fowler, with whom he had two children, Helen Janette and William Grant Donnelly.