ST Mary's Primary School had humble beginnings, but members of the school have shown a resourcefulness and dedication that has seen it through 100 years of challenges and changes in education.

According to a 1977 Myrtleford Times article, the first four Presentation Sisters arrived in Myrtleford in February of 1923 to a school building, but no furniture.

The article, published in the same year as the St Mary's Parish 100th anniversary, said the local publican kindly donated stools so at the children had something to sit on.

Current school principal Kitty Hancock said during the 1930s space was limited, and the convent stables were scrubbed and cleaned by the parish priest and converted into classrooms.

"Imagine the heat in summer and the extreme clod in winter," she said.

According to the article, during the war years many girls from outlying areas became boarders as the rationing of petrol became a huge expense for families.

The convent also became home for many Italian children whose parents were interned at Tatura during the war.

A community of six sisters cared for these children while also running a school.

Local farmers kept the convent supplied with all kinds of farm produce and with firewood.

According to the paper, in the 1950s' enrolments steadily increased with a flood of migrants settling in the Ovens Valley.

By 1977, enrolments had grown to 776.

During this time, the parish raised the funds to build many of the school buildings, as government funding was not available to Catholic schools.

Ms Hancock said the 1980s saw the first lay principal, with another three lay principals following.

"St Mary's Primary School acknowledges those who have gone before, bringing to the school a wealth of knowledge, support, and expertise over the years," she said.

"Our school appreciates its rich history with many of our children being second and third generation students.

"I am so pleased with the direction of the school and its current success as high performing.

"The teachers are extremely dedicated and caring, with the children's interest central to all they do."

St Mary's will be commemorating their 100th anniversary with a centenary mass at the school on Saturday at 6pm, followed by a light supper.

In October the school will hold two events to celebrate the centenary.

On October 6 students will return to the 'olden days' with games and a dress up day, while on October 7 a 'Celebration Day' will be held with past and present students, staff, parish members and families coming together for a reunion.