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 16 January 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 the period of one month, the number of students had greatly increased.