Dear Parents,
As we step into a new year, I extend my warmest wishes to every member of our Oakridge family. This season of reflection and renewal offers a moment to pause and take pride in the many ways our students have continued to learn, lead, and grow together.
The weeks gone by have been rich with milestones that reflect the heart of our school. From recognitions that affirm our academic and community impact, to performances that brought the world alive on stage during our Annual Day celebrations, and student achievements, this has been a time of meaningful progress. These moments, big and small, define who we are as a school.
I look forward to the year ahead as we continue this journey together, guided by values and strengthened by community.
Warm regards,
Ms. Shaila Bhamidipati
Principal
Oakridge International School, Visakhapatnam
Honouring Excellence
We are proud to share that Oakridge International School, Visakhapatnam, has been recognised by Education Today in the India School Merit Awards as one of the Top 10 International Day-cum-Boarding Schools in the country. Securing the second rank nationally and the top position in Visakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh is a moment of collective pride.
Adding to this achievement, Oakridge was also honoured at the ET Tech School Excellence Awards 2025-26 for Best Academic Excellence, Best Infrastructure, and Best Community and Collaboration. These recognitions reflect our shared commitment to quality education, thoughtful leadership, and a learning environment where every child is supported to thrive.
Annual Day 2025
We celebrated our 17th Annual Day on December 19 and 20 with the theme VishwaAnubhav – Experience the world together. Over two vibrant days, students brought global stories to life through music, dance, and storytelling.
The first day showcased performances by Early Years and Primary students who explored themes of culture, unity, and empathy with remarkable confidence and joy. On the second day, Secondary students presented thoughtful narratives that reflected global realities, resilience, and shared responsibility. Parents were moved by the depth and clarity of expression, making the celebration a meaningful reflection of holistic learning in action.
University Placements
We continue to celebrate our students as they take confident steps towards higher education across the world. Fernie from the IBDP cohort and a boarder has secured offers from the University of Melbourne and Monash University for the Bachelor of Biomedicine programme. Preeti Sharon from IBDP has also received offers from both universities to pursue Design and Architecture.
Our CBSE student Tanmay of Grade 12 has earned an offer from SP Jain Global Management for Global Business Management along with a scholarship of USD 16,900. Veer from IBDP has been placed at the University of Sydney for Mechanical Engineering with a 20% scholarship.
Each of these journeys reflects careful guidance, perseverance, and the strong academic and pastoral support that define the Oakridge experience.
Oakridge AeroXperience
In collaboration with SpaceGen Aviation, we hosted Oakridge AeroXperience on December 13 and 14. This immersive STEM aviation workshop welcomed students from Grades 3 to 12 and transformed the campus into a hub of aerospace learning.
Students engaged in building aircraft models, assembling and flying drones, launching rockets, and exploring flight and drone simulators. Led by Captain Vigo and his team, the workshop connected theory with real-world applications, sparking curiosity and strengthening problem-solving and teamwork skills. The experience reflected our commitment to future-ready learning through industry exposure and hands-on exploration.
Sporting Excellence
Our students continued to make us proud in competitive sports. Naasir Ali of Grade 12 secured a Gold Medal in the 50m Rifle Prone Junior Men category at the Andhra Pradesh State Shooting Championship, demonstrating exceptional focus and discipline.
Shahanth Reddy of Grade 11 earned two Gold medals and one Bronze at the NSKAI All India Karate Championship and has been selected for international competitions.
Samatva Siddhi: Learning Through Service
As part of the student-led Samatva Siddhi initiative, Grade 9 students visited the Care and Love Orphanage to share food, clothes, toys, and time. Alongside interactive activities, a health camp was organised with the support of Dr. Divya, an Oakridge Parent Partner. The visit reflected the belief that learning is complete only when it is guided by empathy and social responsibility.
Skating Rink Inauguration
Our youngest learners from Early Years to Grade 3 have begun training at the new skating rink under expert guidance. We are pleased to announce that skating will be introduced as an optional sport for Grades 4 and above from the next academic year, further expanding opportunities for skill-based physical learning.
Learning from Experts
Our learners benefited from a series of engaging guest lectures this month. Grade 8 CBSE students participated in an interactive session with Mr. Praveen Rejeti on farming and plant cultivation. From preparing soil to seed selection and plant care, students gained practical knowledge and were motivated to nurture plants at home.
EY2 students explored the importance of clean water through a hands-on session where they observed purified and unpurified water under a microscope.
Grade 5 students attended an informative session on health and puberty led by Ms. Rachel Kollabattula, Senior Secondary Biology Facilitator. The discussion helped students understand physical and emotional changes with clarity and confidence.
Global Campus Explorations
Creativity took centre stage as our learners explored Cubism through art. Using shapes, lines, and bright colours, students created unique portraits that reflected imagination and individuality. The activity encouraged visual thinking while celebrating artistic expression.
Discovering Mathematics Everywhere
National Mathematics Day was celebrated with enthusiasm at our Early Years Campus through a special assembly, mental math challenges, and hands-on exploration of two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. Students discovered how mathematics connects to everyday life.
Celebrating the Season
The Christmas season brought warmth and joy across the campus. Students celebrated through carols, skits, and creative activities that reflected the spirit of togetherness. At boarding, students and staff came together for the cake-mixing ceremony, sharing festive traditions that strengthen bonds and create a true sense of home. As we welcome the new year, we carry forward this spirit of care, curiosity, and community into every classroom and shared space.
Boarding: Clubs & a Joyful Outing
Our recent club sessions offered students a rich blend of practical learning and joyful experiences. In the Robotics Club, students explored the concepts of Systematic Investment Plan and Systematic Withdrawal Plan through a student-developed software project, gaining valuable insights into mutual fund investments, financial planning, and the idea of financial freedom after retirement.
The session as part of our communication skill development programme helped students build confidence as speakers by understanding their audience, strengthening subject knowledge, and using effective body language while also learning the importance of being respectful listeners.
Sandwich-making at our Cooking Club gave children hands-on cooking experience, encouraging teamwork and enthusiasm in a fun-filled setting.
Extending this spirit of learning and bonding beyond campus, our boarders enjoyed a memorable outing filled with shopping, games, and shared meals, making it a truly joyful day.