ALLORA is known as the best little town on the Downs, and one dedicated woman is out to make sure the town's St Patrick's School is still shining after a century in education.

The school will celebrate 100 years this weekend, starting with the Art in the Convent and the launch of the book titled Still Shining on Saturday night.

Volunteer Catherine Cowley said the book launch would take place in the convent about 8pm, in conjunction with the art show.

Mrs Cowley said researching the book had been a year-long, interesting project for her.

"I started researching last February," she said.

"It was a big undertaking as quite a lot of the information had not been recorded for a number of years.

"Thankfully the Allora Historical Society has a well-filed section of the Allora Guardian, which I referred to a great deal."

Mrs Cowley found where she had gaps, she was able to contact former students for their insight.

"I had students from every decade, except the first one, give some thoughts or memories or a day in the life of students at the time," she said.

"It really brought the experiences to life where a list of dates and facts wouldn't achieve the same."

Mrs Cowley said one of the things that really struck her was just how much was achieved at the school in such a short time.

"Most of the building was done between 1914 and 1919," she said.

"Father Edward Carroll was a very energetic man who had the ability to enthuse the people and contributed greatly to the parish.

"It surprised me just how much was done when there wasn't a lot of young men around as they were off fighting in the war."

Mrs Cowley said the finished product was personally satisfying.

"I've had wonderful support from many, including Joyce Gibson who is a mother of 10 former students," she said. "There were lots of challenges but it was really rewarding and I felt honoured to be writing it."

The book is available for purchase on Saturday and Sunday in the convent for $20.