The first Principal of St Patrick’s, in the clichéd year 1891, was Brother Patrick Paul Kinnear. Described as patient, kind and courteous; he was jovial and social but very firm and determined when duty or religious discipline called on him to be so.
Brother Dennis Baptist Holland, the second Principal, opened the boarding section at St Patrick's H. S. School. Loved and revered by all who were associated with him, he could also charm the casual acquaintance. He was a gentle and a kind Superior and a loving companion to all.
In 1896 came Brother James Berchmans Moloney. The school flourished under his care and his sound judgement made him a general favourite. He was kindness and gentleness personified and his amiable and simple ways endeared him to all he came in contact with.
Br. G. Codney was the Principal of St. Patrick’s School, Asansol from 1909 – 1915. He was always even-tempered and level headed. Friendliness and compassion marked his tenure. He had a vast fund of general knowledge as he was a wide and voracious reader.
1916 brought Brother John Bertrand Larkin to St Patrick’s. He was a strict disciplinarian and a versatile character. He was much loved and liked by the boys.
Brother Herne was the Principal of St. Patrick’s, Asansol from 1918-1922. He was a man with a strong will and firm convictions. He had a kind and sympathetic heart.
In 1922 Brother David Mark Lonergan took over as Principal. He was an administrator and educationist par excellence. All through his life he was known to the boys and staff as ‘Brother Mark’; something unusual for the time when Brothers were only known by their surname.
Brother Arthur Munchin O’Donoghue became the Principal in 1928. The outstanding features of Munchin’s character were his all embracing charity and a kind word and cheerful greeting for all. Not only did he teach but also trained school teams for the local and district tournaments.
In 1931 Brother Thomas Louis Diamond completed his Novitiate and joined the teaching staff of St. Patrick’s. He was young, enthusiastic and a great believer in activity and manual work.
Br. J. E. McCann, Principal in 1934 was naturally brilliant and endowed with an excellent memory. He was a true leader in everything, be it school organization and duties or concerts. He introduced the school orchestra. He radiated bonhomie at gatherings.
Brother Titus taught with success and credit in practically every CB school in India. He was a painstaking teacher, possessed with a very special aptitude for the control and management of boys. He delighted in preparing the boys for the school concert where he put his musical talents to good use
He was the Principal of St. Patrick’s, Asansol from 1949-1951. Being a naturally talented man, and having a keen analytical mind, he hated all sham and loved the downright. With tact and prudence he maintained a fine spirit of discipline, a hallmark that exists till today.
Br. Charles O’Shea, Principal in 1951, ensured that the boys were well occupied during and after class hours and took a keen interest in sports, boxing, gymnastics and the usual boarding school games. He built a small swimming pool near the Box Room in St. Patrick’s.He was also very keen on music and gave every assistance to any boy who wished to join the school orchestra.
He was one of the most humble persons that one has ever come across. In the mid-fifties there was a craze for English medium schools. Hence, when Br. Mulcahy was appointed Principal such was the pressure for admission that he had no alternative but to build a new block of classrooms. He was helpful and protective.
In 1963 Br. Patrick Severin Murphy became the Principal. He wrote with a gripping narrative style and language and imparted this skill to the children in his care. He was a brilliant teacher.
He was the Principal of St. Patrick’s, Asansol from 1969-1973. He was again the Principal in 1998 for a few months. He carried himself with poise and dignity. He was always very neatly dressed and extremely polite in conversation. He was tough and had an immense capacity which led some to wonder if he slept at all.
He was the Principal of St. Patrick’s, Asansol from 1974 to 1979. Refinement and politeness were two of Br. Bela’s distinguishing qualities. He always remained humble and polite and was easily approachable. He spoke with great deliberation and syllable-searching slowness, choosing and enunciating each word with great care.
Br J. P. Pinto was the Principal of St. Patrick’s from 1979 to 1981. He had an outstanding personality and was a true gentleman. He was a strict disciplinarian. He was very successful as Principal and apart from being an able administrator was successful in transforming lives.
Brother M. B. Finn was the Principal of St Patrick’s from 1981 to 1985. Brother always gave the impression of being utterly content and totally at peace. He was a good administrator. He was accessible and a fantastic motivator.
He was the Principal of St. Patrick’s, Asansol from 1985-1991. The school celebrated its centenary year under his leadership. His regularity and faithfulness were extraordinary. An able administrator, Brother had a very special aptitude for the control and management of boys.
He was the Principal of St. Patrick’s , Asansol from 1991 to 1992. He was fun to be with for he had a very happy disposition. He also loved games like football and handball. He was a courteous, generous and humble person.
He was the Principal of St. Patrick’s from 1992 – 1995. A man of sound judgement, he was deeply involved and interested in all that took place in school, which to a great extent, was his world. He proved to be an organizing genius when it came to sports and other co-curricular activities. He was a man of charity, concern and self-sacrifice.
He was the first lay Principal of St. Patrick’s from 1995 to 1998. He had a heart of gold. He retained an active interest in all school activities. He was the most generous person and never counted the hours if anyone needed help. Children loved him for his gentle ways and kindness.
An epitome of perfection, Mrs. Paul was one who was always dedicated to her work and work place. She always strived for the betterment of the school. Nai Disha, was opened in her tenure. The rich sporting tradition of St. Patrick’s was continued, with the addition of diverse other tournaments. The co-ed classes in XI and XII came up during this time.