THE FOUNDER – REVEREND FATHER J.B.COPPIN

St. Michael’s Institution was founded by Reverend Father J.B.Coppin, Parish Priest of the Church of St. Michael, Ipoh. He was a French Catholic Missionary belonging to the Paris Foreign Mission (MEP). Our school started on the rainy morning of 4^th December, 1912, with 39 students housed in a Malay bungalow. The area was known as Kampung Pisang. Michaelians today acclaim the great vision and foresight of this missionary priest who laid the humble foundations for one of the greatest schools in Malaysia. As the population of the township of Ipoh boomed with the tin trade, Rev. Fr. Coppin saw the need for a good Catholic-based school to educate the children of Ipoh. It was Father Coppin who campaigned very hard to persuade the La Salle Brothers to purchase the site of the school for $6,000 and to manage the school. The first batch of teachers to serve the school were lay teachers from St. Xavier’s Institution sent by the Reverend Brother Visitor James Byrne. Father J.B.Coppin remained an active benefactor of SMI.

MR. P.J. MORSINGH

ST. MICHAEL'S FIRST HEADMASTER ( 1912 - 1920 )

Mr. P. J. Morsingh who had served at St. Xavier’s Institution, Penang, was appointed the first Headmaster of St. Michael’s by Reverend Brother Visitor James Byrne. He took charge of the school from 4^th December 1912 until 1920 when the first batch of La Salle brothers were posted to St. Michael’s Guided and inspired by Reverend Father Coppin, Mr. Morsingh steered St. Michael’s from its humble beginnings towards a more satisfactory level of accommodation and staffing. In 1915, the large attap shed of the school was converted to classrooms with unpaved floor, inlaid drains, and roof not secured against rain and shine. In 1918, another temporary shed was put up behind the Indian Muslim mosque to accommodate more classes. Under Mr. Morsingh’s dynamic leadership the school grew in strength and reputation. From 1917 to 1919 the school achieved 100% passes in the public Standard VII examination, and when the school submitted its first candidates for the Cambridge Junior Certificate, two honours were obtained. By the year 1920, our school enrolment had risen from 39 in 1912 to 327 pupils.

BROTHER PAUL GALLAGHER

( DIRECTOR, AUGUST 1920 - JANUARY 1921 )

Brother Paul Gallagher took charge of St. Michael’s Institution on 11 August 1920. An Irishman, he led the first community of La Salle Brothers at SMI: Brother Gallagher himself, Brother Hermenegild John from Hong Kong and Brother Finian Loarn from Ireland. Though he was appointed as a caretaker principal until Brother Augustus became available in January 1921, St. Michael’s benefited from the brief leadership of a La Salle brother who was later to become the Visitor (1926-1929).

BROTHER AUGUSTUS

( DIRECTOR, JANUARY 1921 - 1926 )

Reverend Brother Vernier-Augustus Clerc, a Frenchman, popularly named Brother Augustus was a strong visionary personality who set St. Michael’s on the road to greatness and fame. It was he who designed the original main block of our magnificent school building. Brother Augustus created a building “ strongly ecclesiastical in feeling, in the Gothic vernacular, simple in its detailing, while the strong horizontal lines are balanced by the vertical gabled projections from the main building.” At the time this building was erected it was the largest building in the Kinta Valley. Major C.W.C.Parr OBE, the British Resident in Perak, laid the foundation stone of the new building on 17 June 1922, and Father Coppin blessed the finished building on the Feast Day of St John Baptist De La Salle, 15 May 1923. Brother Augustus is also credited with the designing of St. John‘s Institution, Kuala Lumpur, and the chapel of St. Francis’ Institution, Melaka. Upon completion of his tenure at St. Michael’s, Brother Augustus was posted to Mandalay, Burma, in 1925.

BROTHER HENRY

( DIRECTOR, 1926 - 1929 )

Reverend Brother Sigolin Henre’ Jaussaud, (Brother Henry), also of French origin was a worthy successor of Reverend Brother Augustus. It was under Brother Henry that St. Michael’s were the best in theFederated Malay States and the Straits Settlements, barring only St. George’s, Taiping. Brother Henry was also instrumental in the establishment of the Cadet Corps (1925) and the Scouts (1926). The King’s Birthday Parade used to take place annually on 4 June and the St. Michael’s Cadets were always called upon to participate in it. Hockey and cricket were the games played at this time. Inter-house cricket games were immensely popular. In June 1929, a school Debating Society was started. Motions that were debated included “ The Bookworm is more useful than the Athlete” and “ Rich men are a benefit to Society”. A junior class debated whether Report Books should be abolished. The first Annual Sports took place on 2 October 1926. Thus it was that a distinctive Michaelian school climate with strong emphasis on academic and co-curricular excellence began to evolve and Reverend Brother Henry was the prime mover in this early stage of this multifaceted story.

BROTHER DOSITHEUS.

( DIRECTOR, 1930 - 1936 )

Reverend Brother Dositheus Le Du affectionately called Brother Dositheus, a Frenchman from Brittany, added several new dimensions to the Michaelian school culture. He had a very kindly nature, and he did a lot to encourage music in the school. St. Michael’s now had its own orchestra, and the training it afforded to instrumentalists was carried on in an Old Boys’ Orchestra that met for the first time in 1936. In 1933, the inaugural meeting of the Old Michaelians’ Association was held and Brother Dositheus served as the Honorary President of the association. There was a reunion dinner every year till the outbreak of World War II, and the old Michaelians used to challenge the Georgians to football, hockey, badminton, ping pong and billiards.

BROTHER FINAN

(DIRECTOR, 1936 - 1938 )

Reverend Brother Finan, steered St. Michael's through the depression years. His natural generosity would have led him to open the doors of St. Michael's to greater number of students but he was greatly constrained by the limits of enrolment imposed by the Education Department. At one stage, he was directed to shut down an entire class. This led to so much disenchantment among the boys and their parents that Brother Finan, decided to move on to a new posting.

BROTHER MARCIAN

( DIRECTOR 1938 )

Reverend Brother Marcian, served as Director for 5 months commencing in January 1938. Brief through his term at St. Michael's was, staff and students were profoundly moved by his obvious saintliness. It was Brother Marcian who composed the lyrics and tune of our school  song, 'All through Our College', drawn from an ancient Irish Song. A man of prayer, he founded the Confraternity of the Infant Jesus to encourage more vocations to the Institute of Christian Brothers. Brother Marcian is also remembered for making the necessary representations with the Education Department for the later expansion of the school's enrolment and for the beginning of the dual- session at SMI> Brother Marcian was much loved by pupils who crowded around him especially during the times when he was in hospital. His passing away 5 months later after his appointment as Director was greatly mourned by his staff and students. Something of his saintly spirit surely lives on at St. Michael's today.

BROTHER PATRICK

( DIRECTOR, JUNE 1938 - MARCH 1948 )

Reverend Brother Patrick O' Donovan stands out in Michaelian history as an educationist par excellence who succeeded in putting St. Michael's in the top rank of schools. Brother Patrick introduced science teaching and was responsible for increased interest and efficiency in the classroom and extra curricular activities, even in 1940 and 1941 when the school continued in the atmosphere of suspense and anxiety when the growing threat of the war. Bro. Patrick continued the task left behind by the previous director for the expansion of the school block. The pre-war government policy on education hindered the natural growth of St. Michael's. Brother Patrick made another representation to the education authorities. So, persistent was he, that the Education Adviser himself, Dr. Linehen, agreed to his idea. Among the most significant seeds sown during the Patrician era was the setting up of Chinese language classes, the Literary and Debating Society, the Thrift Society and the School Broadcasting Society and the Michaelian Magazine (1948). He was also responsible for the establishment of the De La Salle School in Kampar and the acquisition of the 'malay hut' to house the increase number of students. 

BROTHER DENIS

( DIRECTOR,1948 - 1955 )

Under Brother Denis's leadership, the school continues to grow and excel. To him goes the credit for the final extensions to the main building, one at each end, completing the majestic proportions which make it such a striking landmark today. In 1951, St. Michael was one of the few schools selected to open Post School Certificate Classes ( later to be known as Sixth form) for students intending to go to university. This led to an influx of students from other school, notably Main Convent ( Convent of the Infant Jesus) and girls made their first appearance then at SMI. Brother Denis saw a need in upgrading the laboratories facilities and assigned Mr. Lee Guan Meng, Senior Science Master, to plan and equip the laboratories and to spare no expenses to ensure that Michaelians have the best facilities. During his 6 years as Director, Bro. Denis endeared himself to all Michaelians as a man whose main aim in life was to make SMI second to none as a centre of learning. He was popular with students, staff and old Michaelians and the general public.

BROTHER PIUS

( DIRECTOR, 1955 - 1960 )

During Bro. Pius's time as director that the primary schools saw greater development. In 1957, St. Michael's Primary was given its status as a separate school with its own headmaster, Mr. Lim Guan Choe and 2 years later, it evolved into two primary schools - Primary one and Primary two, with Mr. Teh Swee Kang, as headmaster for Primary Two. By 1960, the primary schools had their own building as well. In 1956, an annual school magazine - THE EXPLORER, was also produced, and this gave many students an opportunity to present their views as well. In 1958, priority was given to the development of a more spacious library. The classrooms were combined and the space was furnished with new book cases and individual working table for students. It was named the 'Marian library" During his 12 years (1948-1960), as Sub-Director and Director, he endeared himself to all Michaelians by reason of his kindness, understanding and entire devotion to their welfare. He was given a warm VIP send-off. Among the boys and girls who lined the send-off route was a Standard 6 boy, Mr. Louis Rozario Doss who was later to return to St Michael's as its Principal.

BROTHER ULTAN PAUL

(DIRECTOR, 1961-1971; DIRECTOR, 1975-1985)

The choice of Bro. Paul as the successor, was greeted with warm welcome. He had been part of the SMI family since 1939,he had helped to rescue vital equipment, as well as the bronze statue of La Salle that had dominated the facade of the school- all because he knew that one day SMI would rise again. In January 1961, as Bro. Paul took charge, his quiet style and sound basic values were soon in evidence. He was forced to extend the school facilities and his dream was for no half measures; the U-shaped 4-floor new block, that Bro. Paul envisaged was to represent a doubling of floor area to provide a magnificent new library, several spacious labs, a large staff room, a new canteen and an administration offices. It cost RM700,000 and the government gave 10% while classes collections over 3 years came up to RM100,000. He personally joined Dr. Lip Seng Chiew, Dr.M.E. Tiruchelvam and Mr. Yap Yin Fah in approaching the school's traditional well-wishes to solicit assistance. Bro. Paul gave personal encouragement to stage productions, which was handled by Reverend Bro. Casimir, Bro. Vincent Corkery, and Mr. Timothy Chee. For more than 40 years, he served the students ,the staff and the school with great respect, understanding and love. Rev. Bro. Paul is still widely acknowledged as the guiding spirit behind St. Michael's today, and will always be remembered ...

BROTHER VINCENT CORKERY

( DIRECTOR, 1972-1975; DIRECTOR 1986-1988 )

Rev. Bro. Vincent assumed the post of director after serving as sub-director of St. Michael for a long time and had worked closely with Rev. Bro. Paul over the years. A distinguished scholar of political thought from the University College, Dublin, he brought a new quality and distinction to  sixth form studies. He encouraged scholarly debate, creative writing, and aroused keen interest in the discussion of current affairs and issues. Another seed sown by Bro, Vincent as Sub Director was the Michaelian Chinese Instrumental Group which had flowered into one of the hallmarks of our St. Michael's identity. Bro. Vincent set the formula to help students towards a more tangible sense of belonging. For this purpose, it was decided to do away with streaming according to academic ability and to introduce mixed ability classes, which led to better academic performance. Competition in class marching was introduced, and this has become a colourful climax on the annual sports day. Since his retirement in November 1988, Rev. Bro. Vincent, lives in La Salle Centre, Ipoh. He remains an ardent campaigner for St. Michael's and is a vital link between the OMA and the school. Bro. Vincent has authored and written extensively on the Lasallian Heritage. He wields a powerful pen and has been the editor of the avidly read bulletin " The Michaelian Spirit "

MR. CHONG SUAN EE

( PRINCIPAL ; JANUARY 1989 - 1991 )

Mr. Chong was the first lay Principal of SMI. He came to SMI in January 1989, with a distinguished service record as an educationist. A specialist in the teaching of Living Skills and Geography, Mr.Chong made a critical appraisal of the groundwork for the teaching of living skills - the new subject introduced to form 1,2 and 3. At some point, Mr.Chong conceived the idea of a new Living Skills block, for the school and this began the long fund raising effort, by three succeeding headmasters ( Mr.Chong, Mr.Balasubramaniam and Mr. Teh Chor Aun) On 21st August 1998, the new Kemahiran Hidup blocked was declared open. Mr. Chong retired in 1991 and is currently the Principal of Sri Inai College, Kuala Lumpur. He is remembered by one and all at St. Michael's as a headmaster with a common touch, very strict in matters of work and study and yet a caring father to all.

MR. K. BALASUBRAMANIAM

(PRINCIPAL, 16 JANUARY 1992 - 30 SEPTEMBER 1994)

An old boy of ACS Ipoh, Mr. Balasubramaniam set the pace for a new momentum in school life. He drove himself hard and set challenging targets for his staff and students. He gave priority to staff development programmes, had a plan to green the compound and was soon producing colourful results, and pushed for better facilities for the teaching of Living Skills. Most memorable was his effort to raise funds to replace the broken furniture and to enhance the school's facilities, including a challenge to cycle to Sungai Siput, if the proposed target was reached. In fact it was greatly exceeded and the cycling trip did take place, in the company of several sporting teachers, students and PIBG members. Already this episode that typified his compulsive style of leadership had become something of an epic deserving recording in the annals of the school. Mr. Balasubramaniam is now retired but continues to work for many social causes. He is the President of the PTA for the SK Tarcisian Convent, Ipoh and conducts motivation sessions for parents and young people.

MR. TEH CHOR AUN

( PRINCIPAL 1995 - JANUARY 1998 )

Mr. Teh worked hard to maintain the Michaelian traditions of devotion to academic excellence and service to community. He nurtured the fostering of strong links with La Sallian schools with other mission schools in Perak. He also worked very closely with Reverend Brother Paul and Reverend Brother Vincent in all matters of school policy at SMI. Under Mr. Teh's tenure office, the OMA and the school worked together to give the school a new coat of paint. This was a massive project which cost RM200,000,  was completed successfully with the tremendous support of   the OMA Presidents -Dato K.K. Lim and Mr Adrian Tsen. Mr. Teh retired on 15th January 1998, and was given a warm send-off by the school.

MR. LOUIS ROZARIO DOSS

( PRINCIPAL; 1 FEBRUARY 1998 -          )

    The current principal, creates history as the FIRST old boy to return to St. Michael's Institution, his alma mater as Principal. All Michaelians feel a strong sense of achievement and pride that a son of St. Michael's, a home-growned product of our alma mater, has returned to wear the mantle so hallowed by Reverent Brother Ultan Paul and Reverend Brother Vincent Corkery. Mr. Louis was educated at St. Michael's Primary School (1956-1961), St. Anthony's Secondary School, Teluk Intan (1962-1963), St. Michael's Institution, Ipoh (Secondary 1964-1967). Mr. Louis grew up under the shadow of the legendary Michaelian figures, among them Mr.Tan Boon Kwee, Mr.Lim Guan Choe, and Mr. Teh Swee Kang. In his school days, Mr.Doss known better by his personal name  Louis, was an avid school debater coached professionally by Rev. Bro. Casimir and Mr. Eric Gomez. He is also a product of the Michaelian drama group 1964. He played the part of Sir Robert Morton, in the Michaelian production of "The Winslow Boy" and also had a minor role in "The Magic Key". It was an enjoyment of literary activities, like these and inspiration of educators like Rev. Bro. Paul and Rev. Bro. Vincent that impelled him to choose the teaching profession for his career. He chose to do the English ( Honours) degree at University Malaya, in preparation for a teaching career. After graduating, he served for 16 years as the Head of the English Department at Tuanku Abdul Rahman (STAR), Ipoh. In 1978/1979, he was chosen by the Ministry of Education and the British Council to attend one year post-graduate course in Teaching of English Overseas at the University of Manchester.