Welcome Back to School!
Dear Parents
I am delighted to present this month’s newsletter, celebrating outstanding achievements in the Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary Checkpoint examinations. I am thrilled to announce that our students have achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate. Across English Language, Science, and Mathematics, our students excelled in all four assessment strands, surpassing international averages. Notably, five of our students achieved perfect scores in various subjects, demonstrating their dedication and the strong support from our teachers and parents. Congratulations to everyone!
June at Oakridge was marked by a diverse range of activities that provided our students with a rejuvenating start to the academic year. We began with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme evaluation cycle. For DP schools, this self-study process occurs every five years after authorization as an IB World School. We also celebrated Father’s Day with enthusiasm and embraced wellness and creativity through International Yoga & Music Day.
I am pleased to share that three of our secondary students represented Oakridge Visakhapatnam at the NAE UNICEF Summit hosted at one of our Nord Anglia Schools, BIS Houston. They engaged with global leaders, participated in workshops, and contributed ideas on implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in local communities.
I extend my gratitude to the parents of Grades 6-8 for your active participation in our recent parent panel discussion on raising adolescents. Your support is invaluable as we navigate this crucial phase in our students’ lives. The Secondary Parent Orientation Program provided essential insights into our curriculum, extracurricular activities, and support systems. Thank you to all parents who attended and contributed to our ongoing efforts to enhance the student experience.
We are also proud of our students’ achievements in sports and community service, which continue to inspire us all. These successes highlight the diverse talents within our Oakridge community. As we embark on another academic year together, let us uphold our values of curiosity, resilience, and compassion.
Warm regards
Shaila Bhamidipati
Principal
Oakridge International School, Visakhapatnam
First day at School
We’re delighted to see our children’s bright grins and lively laughter on our campus again after the summer break. The principal and teachers extended a warm welcome to all grade students. The first day of school was thrilling because they made new friends, shared their summer experiences, participated in exciting, fun activities, and began the new academic year with excitement.
Know Your Curriculum: Empowering Parents in Their Child’s Learning Journey
KYC explored various components of our Cambridge EY curriculum. Parents gained insights into our interactive teaching methodologies, including group activities and most importantly, the individualized attention we provide, tailored to each child’s unique learning style. The session concluded with an interactive discourse where parents had the opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and discuss any concerns they had regarding their child’s education.
Father’s Day Celebrations
Father’s Day transcends mere calendar dates; it is a heartfelt homage to the extraordinary men who enrich our lives with love, guidance, and steadfast support. As we commemorated this occasion, students expressed appreciation and affection for all fathers. They recognized their sacrifices and steadfast commitment through heartfelt gestures such as crafting greeting cards and sharing messages of gratitude.
International Yoga & Music Day
The celebration of International Day of Yoga and Music is an annual event that brings together students, teachers, and staff in joyous participation. This year’s event was highlighted by the presence and involvement of Dr. Nimali Thakshila Whithanage, who educated our students on the importance of yoga for achieving a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The day was further enlivened with sing-along sessions and a live orchestra, making it a memorable occasion for everyone involved.
Embrace learning: where knowledge meets action
In addition to hands-on learning experiences, students were observed engaging in projects that involved constructing items from the ground up. This initiative bolstered children’s confidence in their capacity to handle emergencies effectively. It gave them valuable insights into addressing challenges encountered by communities at risk from disasters.
Parent Panel Discussion on ‘Raising Adolescents’
Adolescence is often regarded as the most essential period in one’s formative years. Embracing this theme, OISV hosted an engaging panel discussion titled ‘Raising Adolescents.’ This conversation was enlightening and exciting, with parent panelists sharing insightful ideas on how parents can better understand teenagers and collaborate to support their healthy growth. Our panelists, including K.V. Soma Sekhar, Product Development Engineer at Intel; Bhaskar Kiran Pujari, Project Manager at Tech Mahindra in South Africa; Subodh Parankush, Financial Consultant for British firms, and Sheela Baddireddi, Cambridge Curriculum Coordinator, shared practical advice on raising adolescents.
CONGRATULATIONS RAGHAV!
Students did exceptionally well in Lower Secondary Checkpoint exams in all four English Language, Science and Mathematics strands. The combined overall average of Oakridge students in each strand is higher than the international average. Our top scorers were Virendra Raghav Parankush with 48.5/50, Sagi Hari Pujitha with 48/50, and Siddharth Raju Mudunuru with 47.5/50. Our overall averages were 49.3% of students were placed in Outstanding (41-50), 30.3% students were placed in High (31-40) and 16% students were placed in Good (21-30).
Parent Orientation Program
Parent Orientation Program for Grades 6-8 (CBSE & Cambridge) was organized to welcome parents and provide them with essential information for the new academic year. The event began with an address by the Principal, Ms. Shaila Bhamidipati, and Ms. Deepthi Tata, Head of Secondary, who highlighted key initiatives and programs. Following this, the Cambridge curriculum was introduced by the Curriculum Coordinator, Ms. Sheela Baddireddi, and the CBSE curriculum was outlined by Ms. Madhuri Gupta, our CBSE Coordinator.
Empowering Young Minds: Child Safeguarding Session
Ms. Bindu conducted an engaging session on child safeguarding for our Primary students, emphasizing staying safe. Through interactive activities and clear instructions, she educated the children on recognizing dangers and seeking help. Her approachable demeanor and practical tips left a lasting impact, ensuring the kids felt informed and secure.
EDIB: Fostering Equity, Diversity, and Belonging
Grade 5A hosted an assembly centered on equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB), highlighting their importance in creating an inclusive school environment where every student feels valued and respected. The assembly aimed to educate students on embracing diversity, understanding various perspectives, and fostering a sense of belonging among peers.
Celebrating ‘Resilience’
The Grade 5B assembly focused on the theme ‘Resilience’. The students recited poems, enacted drama, sang songs, and danced riveting around this theme. During her keynote speech, Ms. Shaila Bhamidipati, Principal, provided insights into cultivating resilience, drawing inspiration from JK Rowling’s remarkable journey.
Photosynthesis to Seed Dispersal
From photosynthesis to seed dispersal, Grade 2 students are diving into the fascinating world of plant biology. Learners explore how these green wonders sustain life on Earth!
Creative Learning with Dry Leaves
Grade 2A & B students had a great time with a hands-on dry leaves activity. This engaging exercise offered valuable learning experiences, connecting them with nature and enhancing their academic, artistic, creative, and personal skills.
Spin a Yarn
Primary year students dressed up as their iconic characters from fairy tales and folklore for ‘Spin a Yarn Competition’ unleashing their imagination and putting creativity on display. Each student brought their character to life with intricate costuming and engaging narration.
Say ‘NO’ to plastic, Save ‘OCEANS’
Early year students underscored the significance of ocean conservation through an enigmatic play.
Exploring Diaphragm Function in Breathing
Grade 5B students have built a lung model to explore how the diaphragm aids in the processes of inhalation and exhalation.