Dear Parents,
As I sit down to write this final communication of 2025, looking out at a quiet campus that was, just days ago, buzzing with energy, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. December at Oakridge International School, Mohali, was not merely a winding down of the calendar year; it was a vibrant crescendo of academic inquiry, cultural celebration, and historic achievements.
As the year draws to a close, I feel a renewed sense of optimism. We carry forward the lessons, the victories, and the memories of 2025. I am confident that the coming year will bring even greater opportunities for our students to shine.
I wish you and your loved ones a joyous, safe, and prosperous New Year.
As we prepare to welcome 2026, I am delighted to share a reflection on the moments that defined our community this month.
A Legacy of Impact with UNICEF
I am thrilled to begin this newsletter with a distinction that speaks to the very heart of our school’s ethos. We are more than proud to announce that Oakridge International School, Mohali, has been awarded the prestigious UNICEF Grant for the second consecutive year.
Why Ivy League Universities Seek Polymath Student
Parents often ask what sets successful university applicants apart. Today, the answer is clear: versatility. Ivy League universities and top global institutions are no longer looking for students who excel in just one area. They want polymaths—young people who can code and create, analyse and imagine, innovate and inspire.
Why Polymaths Are in Demand
The world is changing fast. Employers and universities value graduates who can combine technical expertise with creativity. A student who understands algorithms and also paints, debates, or designs is better equipped to solve complex problems. This blend of skills is what makes polymaths stand out in competitive admissions.
A Double Victory: Taanish Nanda’s Tennis Success
Continuing with our sporting accolades, we celebrate Taanish Nanda of Grade 8. At the AITA U14 Super Series Tournament in Jind, Haryana, Taanish showcased incredible mental fortitude and athletic skill to clinch the winner’s title in both the Singles and Doubles categories. To dominate in one format is impressive; to sweep both requires a level of stamina and focus that is rare in young athletes. Taanish’s dedication is a credit to the school, and we congratulate him on this stellar performance.
History in the Making
On the sports field, Afreen has rewritten history. Representing Punjab in the 69th National School Games Football Championship, she delivered a commanding performance, scoring four goals on the national stage. Notably, she stands as the only girl from Mohali to ever represent the state in football—a distinction she has earned for the second consecutive year. Afreen is a true trailblazer, breaking barriers and setting a powerful example for aspiring athletes everywhere.
At Oakridge, we have always maintained that the world is our greatest classroom. This month, our experiential learning program saw students stepping out of the school gates to connect their curriculum with the real world through a series of immersive field trips.
It was a joy to see our youngest learners from Nursery and EYP 2 developing their observation skills at Chhatbir Zoo and the Bird Park, fostering an early love for nature and wildlife. As we moved up the grades, the learning became more industrial and process-oriented. Grade 2’s visit to the Verka Milk Plant and Grade 3’s excursion to a traditional jaggery mill were fascinating lessons in production. Students didn’t just read about hygiene or indigenous agriculture; they saw the steam, smelled the molasses, and understood the journey from farm to table.
For our senior students, the trips were designed to provoke critical thinking about civic duties. Grade 8 visited the High Court, gaining a solemn and practical understanding of the judiciary and the administration of justice. Meanwhile, Grades 9 and 10 stepped into the fast-paced world of journalism at The Tribune in Chandigarh. In an age of information overload, seeing the rigorous process of news creation helped them appreciate the power of language and the responsibility of the press.
The Book Fair
Early in the month, our campus transformed into a haven for bibliophiles. The Book Fair was a resounding success, offering a diverse range of genres that catered to every reading level. It was heartening to watch students—and many of you—browsing through the stalls, discussing plots, and discovering new authors. This event was a celebration of imagination, reinforcing our belief that despite the digital age, the magic of holding a good book remains irreplaceable.
National Mathematics Day
On December 22nd, we challenged the notion that math is dry or abstract. National Mathematics Day was celebrated with high energy, moving mathematics off the chalkboard and into the hands of our students. Through volume experiments, field measurements, and logic puzzles, students explored the practical utility of numbers. It was a day of discovery, highlighting that mathematics is not just a subject to be studied, but a beautiful language that describes the universe around us.
The Christmas Bake-Off
The festive season brought with it the delicious aromas of the student-led Christmas Bake-Off. Organized by our secondary students, this event was a delightful intersection of culinary art and entrepreneurship. The spread—featuring rich cakes, festive cookies, and gingerbread—was irresistible. Beyond the sugar and spice, however, I was impressed by the teamwork and organizational skills our students displayed. It was a perfect way to share joy before the winter break.
Inter-House Carol Singing
There is something truly special about the sound of a school united in song. The Inter-House Carol Singing Competition saw students from Grades 4 to 12 fill the MPH with melodious carols. The performances were soulful and vibrant, showcasing not just musical talent but the spirit of collaboration within the Houses. It was a magical afternoon that spread warmth and cheer, reminding us of the joy of togetherness.
Shaheedi Sabha
Amidst the celebrations, we ensured we took the time to reflect on our heritage. On December 27th, the school observed the Shaheedi Sabha to honour the historical legacy of Shri Fatehgarh Sahib. It is imperative that our students understand the values of sacrifice, resilience, and courage that define our history. This observance was a solemn reminder of the roots that ground us even as we reach for the sky.
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