It is not often that the alumni of Verdala International School get together as many of its students, past and present, come from all over the world.

This is about to change thanks to Liz Camilleri, Gabriella Arcidiacono, Elvira Petroni and Jill Kirkstadt, who are organising a three-day event this month to celebrate Verdala’s 38 years of successful international education in Malta.

“What started out as a small get-together for a single class turned into a full-blown reunion for all,” Ms Petroni said.

The school started its early days in Cottonera and eventually moved to Fort Pembroke. What makes it special is its small classes, meaning that the students develop extremely close-knit relationships with both their classmates and staff.

Three of the most beloved and longest-serving teachers are retiring this year. Simone Brincat will be retiring after 20 years in teaching and administration. Lawrie and Yeya Simpson, who have been with the school since its founding in 1976, will also be retiring and moving back to Spain.

A barbecue at the Lido in Sliema is being held on June 20 for those wanting to mingle and catch up. On June 21, there will be a tour of the school, which will give former students a chance to visit their old stomping grounds and meet the new headmaster, Roy Crawford. In the evening, there will be a gala dinner at Hilton Malta’s Mercanti Beach Club.

On June 22, to wind things down, the alumni and their families can enjoy a sunset cruise around the island, followed by a swim.

Past students wishing to attend can book their tickets by visiting the school’s website, www.verdala.org, where there is a page dedicated to the reunion, by downloading a booking form from the Verdala Reunion 2014 Facebook group or by sending an e-mail to verdalareunion2014@gmail.com.