SMK St.Columba
Encyclopedia
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Saint Columba (Saint Columba's Secondary School) or St. Co, as it is referred to by the locals, is the oldest school in Miri. It is located just one kilometre
from the city centre. The school was established in 1929 by Canon Paul Chong En Siong and is currently headed by Madam Robinette Tiong Ai Giek. The school educates students from Transition to Secondary 5 level and it prepares students for the Penilaian Menengah Rendah
and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia
examinations which are administered by the Ministry of Education
. It was made 'Sekolah Harapan Negara' in the year 1993.
school located in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. It is the oldest school in Miri, having been established in 1929 by Father Paul Chong En Siong.
was just a small fishing village. Even though petroleum
had been found, drillings and excavations were carried out only on a small scale by Borneo Company Limited. Foreign technicians and labourers who were mainly Anglican strongly felt the need for a church. In 1918, Bishop Logie Danson
came to Miri
to discuss the building of a new church.
On September the 3rd, 1922, St.Columba's Church was completed and officially declared open by R.S Douglas. The Church was named Saint Columba
after the Irish priest who lived in the 6th Century. The presence of the church attracted a few priests to Miri
. One of them was Father Paul Chong En Siong (who would later become the founder of Saint Columba's School). The first task given to Father Paul was to establish a new school in Miri
. Sarawak Oilfields Limited donated a piece of land south of the church and an old building to be used for educational purposes. Surprisingly, the land donated by Sarawak Oilfields Limited is still in use today as the site of Saint Columba's Secondary School (SMK St.Columba).
Father Chong and Father F.W Synott used the old building which was also an old government quarter as the first classroom. Saint Columba's School was officially declared open on January the 16th, 1929 with 13 students enrolled. Saint Columba's School was the first mission school
in Miri
. The establishment of St. Columba's School received a tremendous response from the people of Miri
. Within a period of one month, the number of students had greatly increased.
Wan Thau Fen was appointed as a teacher of the new school. After that, two new classrooms were constructed. In the beginning, English
was used as the medium of teaching. In the 1930s, with the increasing numbers of students, Father Paul felt the need to build a new building with four classrooms. In 1934, Father Paul left the school to continue his missionary work in Kuching
, Kudat
and other parts of Sabah
.
His post as headmaster was taken over by Yeo Cheng Ho. At that time, the school faced two major problems: a shortage of classrooms and lack of funds. When Yeo Cheng Ho left for Kuching
in 1937, his post was taken over by Lee Kui Choi until the Japanese occupation of Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak
. Back then, the number of students had increased to 107 with seven teachers and four new classrooms. The British Government had started to support Saint Columba's School financially.
landed in Miri on the 16th of December, 1941 and occupied Saint Columba's School, which was used by the Imperial Japanese Army
as a storeroom. Lee Kui Choi was arrested and put into jail, but was released three days later.
After handing over his duties to Father Lim Siong Teck, Lee Kui Choi returned to Sibu
. The Kempetai (Japanese Secret Police) arrested and killed Father Lim Siong Teck, Chong En Fui and Joel Paul, a member of the Saint Columba's Church Council.
By the end of the Second World War in the Pacific, the Imperial Japanese Army
retreated from Miri. Before they retreated, they destroyed all the school buildings except the toilet and one of the stores. All the school belongings & records were destroyed except for the school's bank records. The Second World War had brought devastation to the school.
With the buildings destroyed, some people serving in the Anglican Church doubted the future of the school. The school faced financial problems. This period was very critical and crucial in the school's history. Thankfully, the school was gradually rebuilt and is what it is today, one of the best schools in Miri.
Pollett a member of the British Borneo Civil Affairs Unit (B.B.C.A.U) to reopen Saint Columba's School. The proposal was approved and on the 17th of September, 1945 the school reopened with only two teachers namely Liew Kit Siong and Molly Leong and 41 students. They were assisted by one untrained teacher.
Liew Kit Siong was chosen as the principal of the school then. On the first day,several English Medium classes were reopened with 39 students in the morning while 21 students for the Chinese Medium class in the afternoon. At the end of the first week,the number of students increased to 79 and 39 students respectively. Throughout the year 1945,more than 200 students had enrolled. Due to the shortages of classrooms and teachers, most applicants were rejected. Additional classes were held inside the Saint Columba's Church (present day St.Columba's Kindergarten).
During this period, financial support came from school fees and the monthly support of 100 dollars by the Sarawak Oilfields Limited and 80 dollars by the British Army
Administration. This helped Saint Columba's School to survive until this very day. Due to the increasing number of students, additional classes were held in Miri Gymkhana Club (GCM) Storeroom.
She is assisted by Madam Wong Pek Yen, Senior Assistant,
Mr. Ong Sze Chong, Senior Assistant of Student Affairs,
Madam Maria Jau, Senior Assistant of Afternoon Session and
Madam Tan Mee Lan, Senior Assistant of Co-Curricular Activities.
1) Discipline Branch
2) PRS Branch
3) 3K Branch
4) Co-curriculum Branch
5) Class Monitors
6) Library Prefects (2011)
and the letters "SCS" enclosed within it. The words "Sicut Columba" in Latin
are found at the lower part of the school badge. The dove symbolises strength, purity and peace. The word "Sicut" comes from a Latin
word which means "gentle like a dove". The letters "SCS" are the initials for Saint Columba's School.
Between the hillside and the sea,
We work and play here in harmony,
May steadfast service and loyalty,
Bring wider visions of unity.
May we love beauty, the hill and sea,
Find solace in music and sweet poetry,
May we love learning and cherish peace,
Quiet and stillness when labours cease.
Rise above anger, overcome pride,
Filled with the Spirit, may God be our guide,
Channels of blessing and peace above,
Fearless of evil, strengthened with love.
- Record holder for Malaysians of 100m sprint record of 10.30 seconds
Kilometre
The kilometre is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one thousand metres and is therefore exactly equal to the distance travelled by light in free space in of a second...
from the city centre. The school was established in 1929 by Canon Paul Chong En Siong and is currently headed by Madam Robinette Tiong Ai Giek. The school educates students from Transition to Secondary 5 level and it prepares students for the Penilaian Menengah Rendah
Penilaian Menengah Rendah
Penilaian Menengah Rendah is a Malaysian public examination taken by all Form Three students in both government and private schools throughout the country. It was formerly known as Sijil Rendah Pelajaran...
and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia
Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia
The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia , or the Malaysian Certificate of Education, is a national examination taken by all fifth-year secondary school students in Malaysia...
examinations which are administered by the Ministry of Education
Ministry of Education (Malaysia)
The Ministry of Education is a Government ministry responsible for Malaysian educational matters...
. It was made 'Sekolah Harapan Negara' in the year 1993.
History
SMK St.Columba is a missionaryMissionary
A missionary is a member of a religious group sent into an area to do evangelism or ministries of service, such as education, literacy, social justice, health care and economic development. The word "mission" originates from 1598 when the Jesuits sent members abroad, derived from the Latin...
school located in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. It is the oldest school in Miri, having been established in 1929 by Father Paul Chong En Siong.
Pre-War Period (1929-1941)
In 1910, MiriMiri
Miri is a city in northern Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It is the second largest city in Sarawak, with a population of about 300,000, and the government administrative centre of Miri District in Miri Division....
was just a small fishing village. Even though petroleum
Petroleum
Petroleum or crude oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds, that are found in geologic formations beneath the Earth's surface. Petroleum is recovered mostly through oil drilling...
had been found, drillings and excavations were carried out only on a small scale by Borneo Company Limited. Foreign technicians and labourers who were mainly Anglican strongly felt the need for a church. In 1918, Bishop Logie Danson
Ernest Denny Logie Danson
Ernest Denny Logie Danson was an Anglican bishop in the first half of the 20th century.He was born into a distinguished clerical family on 14 June 1880 and educated at Trinity College, Glenalmond and Aberdeen University. He was ordained in 1906 and began his career with a curacy at St Paul's...
came to Miri
Miri
Miri is a city in northern Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It is the second largest city in Sarawak, with a population of about 300,000, and the government administrative centre of Miri District in Miri Division....
to discuss the building of a new church.
On September the 3rd, 1922, St.Columba's Church was completed and officially declared open by R.S Douglas. The Church was named Saint Columba
Saint Columba
-Saints:* Columba , Irish Christian saint who evangelized Scotland* Columba the Virgin, also known as Saint Columba of Cornwall* Columba of Sens* Columba of Spain* Columba of Terryglass* Sancta Columba -Schools:...
after the Irish priest who lived in the 6th Century. The presence of the church attracted a few priests to Miri
Miri
Miri is a city in northern Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It is the second largest city in Sarawak, with a population of about 300,000, and the government administrative centre of Miri District in Miri Division....
. One of them was Father Paul Chong En Siong (who would later become the founder of Saint Columba's School). The first task given to Father Paul was to establish a new school in Miri
Miri
Miri is a city in northern Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It is the second largest city in Sarawak, with a population of about 300,000, and the government administrative centre of Miri District in Miri Division....
. Sarawak Oilfields Limited donated a piece of land south of the church and an old building to be used for educational purposes. Surprisingly, the land donated by Sarawak Oilfields Limited is still in use today as the site of Saint Columba's Secondary School (SMK St.Columba).
Father Chong and Father F.W Synott used the old building which was also an old government quarter as the first classroom. Saint Columba's School was officially declared open on January the 16th, 1929 with 13 students enrolled. Saint Columba's School was the first mission school
Mission School
The Mission School is an art movement of the 1990s and 2000s, centered in the Mission District of San Francisco, California.-History and characteristics:...
in Miri
Miri
Miri is a city in northern Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It is the second largest city in Sarawak, with a population of about 300,000, and the government administrative centre of Miri District in Miri Division....
. The establishment of St. Columba's School received a tremendous response from the people of Miri
Miri
Miri is a city in northern Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It is the second largest city in Sarawak, with a population of about 300,000, and the government administrative centre of Miri District in Miri Division....
. Within a period of one month, the number of students had greatly increased.
Wan Thau Fen was appointed as a teacher of the new school. After that, two new classrooms were constructed. In the beginning, English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
was used as the medium of teaching. In the 1930s, with the increasing numbers of students, Father Paul felt the need to build a new building with four classrooms. In 1934, Father Paul left the school to continue his missionary work in Kuching
Kuching
Kuching , officially the City of Kuching, and formerly the City of Sarawak, is the capital and most populous city of the East Malaysian state of Sarawak. It is the largest city on the island of Borneo, and the fourth largest city in Malaysia....
, Kudat
Kudat
Kudat is a town in Sabah, East Malaysia, on the northern tip of Borneo island. It serves as the administrative center for the Kudat Division, which includes the towns of Kudat, Pitas, Kota Marudu, and some offshore islands....
and other parts of Sabah
Sabah
Sabah is one of 13 member states of Malaysia. It is located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo. It is the second largest state in the country after Sarawak, which it borders on its southwest. It also shares a border with the province of East Kalimantan of Indonesia in the south...
.
His post as headmaster was taken over by Yeo Cheng Ho. At that time, the school faced two major problems: a shortage of classrooms and lack of funds. When Yeo Cheng Ho left for Kuching
Kuching
Kuching , officially the City of Kuching, and formerly the City of Sarawak, is the capital and most populous city of the East Malaysian state of Sarawak. It is the largest city on the island of Borneo, and the fourth largest city in Malaysia....
in 1937, his post was taken over by Lee Kui Choi until the Japanese occupation of Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak
Japanese occupation of Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak
Throughout much of World War II, British Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak were under Japanese occupation.The Japanese Empire commenced the Pacific War with the invasion of Kota Bahru in Kelantan on 8 December 1941 at 00:25, about 90 minutes before the Attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii at 07:48 on 7...
. Back then, the number of students had increased to 107 with seven teachers and four new classrooms. The British Government had started to support Saint Columba's School financially.
Japanese Occupation Period (1941-1945)
On the 8th of December, 1941 , the Second World War in the Pacific had begun and all the schools in Miri were closed. The Imperial Japanese ArmyImperial Japanese Army
-Foundation:During the Meiji Restoration, the military forces loyal to the Emperor were samurai drawn primarily from the loyalist feudal domains of Satsuma and Chōshū...
landed in Miri on the 16th of December, 1941 and occupied Saint Columba's School, which was used by the Imperial Japanese Army
Imperial Japanese Army
-Foundation:During the Meiji Restoration, the military forces loyal to the Emperor were samurai drawn primarily from the loyalist feudal domains of Satsuma and Chōshū...
as a storeroom. Lee Kui Choi was arrested and put into jail, but was released three days later.
After handing over his duties to Father Lim Siong Teck, Lee Kui Choi returned to Sibu
Sibu
Sibu may refer to:*Sibu, Sarawak in Eastern Malaysia*Sibu Division*Sibu , an impact crater on Mars*Pulau Sibu, an island off the eastern coast of peninsular Malaysia*Sibu , name of a goddess in the Bribri tribe, in Costa Rica...
. The Kempetai (Japanese Secret Police) arrested and killed Father Lim Siong Teck, Chong En Fui and Joel Paul, a member of the Saint Columba's Church Council.
By the end of the Second World War in the Pacific, the Imperial Japanese Army
Imperial Japanese Army
-Foundation:During the Meiji Restoration, the military forces loyal to the Emperor were samurai drawn primarily from the loyalist feudal domains of Satsuma and Chōshū...
retreated from Miri. Before they retreated, they destroyed all the school buildings except the toilet and one of the stores. All the school belongings & records were destroyed except for the school's bank records. The Second World War had brought devastation to the school.
With the buildings destroyed, some people serving in the Anglican Church doubted the future of the school. The school faced financial problems. This period was very critical and crucial in the school's history. Thankfully, the school was gradually rebuilt and is what it is today, one of the best schools in Miri.
Post War Period (1945-1965)
On the 14th of September, 1945, the school made a proposition to MajorMajor
Major is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ...
Pollett a member of the British Borneo Civil Affairs Unit (B.B.C.A.U) to reopen Saint Columba's School. The proposal was approved and on the 17th of September, 1945 the school reopened with only two teachers namely Liew Kit Siong and Molly Leong and 41 students. They were assisted by one untrained teacher.
Liew Kit Siong was chosen as the principal of the school then. On the first day,several English Medium classes were reopened with 39 students in the morning while 21 students for the Chinese Medium class in the afternoon. At the end of the first week,the number of students increased to 79 and 39 students respectively. Throughout the year 1945,more than 200 students had enrolled. Due to the shortages of classrooms and teachers, most applicants were rejected. Additional classes were held inside the Saint Columba's Church (present day St.Columba's Kindergarten).
During this period, financial support came from school fees and the monthly support of 100 dollars by the Sarawak Oilfields Limited and 80 dollars by the British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
Administration. This helped Saint Columba's School to survive until this very day. Due to the increasing number of students, additional classes were held in Miri Gymkhana Club (GCM) Storeroom.
Administration
The current principal of SMK St.Columba is Madam Robinette Tiong Ai Giek.She is assisted by Madam Wong Pek Yen, Senior Assistant,
Mr. Ong Sze Chong, Senior Assistant of Student Affairs,
Madam Maria Jau, Senior Assistant of Afternoon Session and
Madam Tan Mee Lan, Senior Assistant of Co-Curricular Activities.
Principals of St.Columba's Secondary School
| No | Names Of Principals | Year Of Service |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canon Paul Chong En Siong | 1929-1935 |
| 2 | Mr.Yeo Cheng Ho | 1935-1937 |
| 3 | Mr.Lee Kui Choi | 1935-1937 |
| 4 | Mr.Liew Kit Siong | 1945-1946 |
| 5 | Miss Yeo Siew Ngo | 1946-1948 |
| 6 | Mr.Lim Choo Tiong | 1948-1949 |
| 7 | Mr.Tan Ah Beng | 1949-1950 |
| 8 | Mr.Yeo Ah Choo | 1950-1957 |
| 9 | Mr.Perry Clough | Temporary |
| 10 | Mr.Yeo Ah Choo | 1956-1957 |
| 11 | Father Harold Rogers | 1958-1959 |
| 12 | Father Peter Joliffe | 1959-1961 |
| 13 | Father Brian Taylor | 1962-1965 |
| 14 | Mr.Nigel Heyward | 1966-1969 |
| 15 | Miss Leonie Armour | 1970-1980 |
| 16 | Miss Chan Siew Ngo | 1981-1996 |
| 17 | Mr.Raymond Gai Panting @ Gaie | 1997-2000 |
| 18 | Mr.Richard Wong King Kui | 2001-2009 |
| 19 | Mdm.Robinette Tiong Ai Giek | 2009-Now |
Prefectorial Board
Currently there are six Prefect branches. They are:-1) Discipline Branch
2) PRS Branch
3) 3K Branch
4) Co-curriculum Branch
5) Class Monitors
6) Library Prefects (2011)
School Badge
The School Badge was introduced before the Second World War. It was only widely used in the early 1950s especially when Yeo Ah Choo became the school principal . The Saint Columba's school badge is shaped like a "mitre" with a doveDove
Pigeons and doves constitute the bird family Columbidae within the order Columbiformes, which include some 300 species of near passerines. In general terms "dove" and "pigeon" are used somewhat interchangeably...
and the letters "SCS" enclosed within it. The words "Sicut Columba" in Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
are found at the lower part of the school badge. The dove symbolises strength, purity and peace. The word "Sicut" comes from a Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
word which means "gentle like a dove". The letters "SCS" are the initials for Saint Columba's School.
School Song
This song was composed in 1996 by the wife of Mr. Nigel Heyward, who was then principal of the school. The lyrics sum up the heart of the school's vision and aim of producing well-rounded students who not only perform well academically but also have strong moral fibre.Between the hillside and the sea,
We work and play here in harmony,
May steadfast service and loyalty,
Bring wider visions of unity.
May we love beauty, the hill and sea,
Find solace in music and sweet poetry,
May we love learning and cherish peace,
Quiet and stillness when labours cease.
Rise above anger, overcome pride,
Filled with the Spirit, may God be our guide,
Channels of blessing and peace above,
Fearless of evil, strengthened with love.
Famous Ex-Columban
- Watson Nyambek (Malaysian Athlete)
- Record holder for Malaysians of 100m sprint record of 10.30 seconds
Malaysian records in athletics
The following are the national records in athletics in Malaysia maintained by Malaysia Amateur Athletic Union .-Men:-Women:-Men:-Women:ht = hand timingA = affected by altitude-External links:* * *...
Notable recent academic achievements
- 8 students achieving straight A1's in SPM examinations in 2007 (best SPM achievement of schools in Miri for 2007)
- 4 students to date receiving the JPA scholarship (full government scholarship for outstanding students) to do medicineMedicineMedicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
:
- 1) Wong Lynn Xuan (IMU twinning to St. George's University of London)
- 2) Jonathan Wong Sing Hoon (IMU twinning to any partner medical school)
- 3) Wong Qi Ying (Melaka Manipal Medical College twinning to India)
- 4) Ling Sing Ping (Melaka Manipal Medical College twinning to India)