Even though petroleum had been discovered in Miri, drillings and excavations were carried out only on a small scale by Borneo Company Limited.

Sarawak Oilfields Limited donated land south of the church and an old building to be used for educational purposes.

Saint Columba's School was officially declared open on 16 January 1929 with 13 students enrolled.

In 1934, Reverend Paul Chong left the school to continue his missionary work in Kuching, Kudat and other parts of Sabah (British North Borneo).

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 British Borneo.

After handing over his duties to Reverend Lim Siong Teck, Lee Kui Choi returned to Sibu.

The Kempetai (Japanese Secret Police) arrested and killed Reverend Lim Siong Teck, Chong En Fui and Joel Paul, a member of the Saint Columba's Church Council.

With the buildings destroyed, some people serving in the Anglican Church doubted the future of the school.

The proposal was approved and on 17 September 1945 the school was reopened with only two teachers, namely Liew Kit Siong and Molly Leong and 41 students.

Due to the increasing number of students, additional classes were held in the Miri Gymkhana Club (GCM) storeroom.

The Saint Columba's school badge is shaped like a mitre with a dove and the letters "SCS" enclosed within it.

The words "Sicut Columba" in Latin are found at the lower part of the school badge.