Dear Parents
August was a month of leadership, learning, celebration, and achievement at Oakridge International School, Visakhapatnam. From welcoming our new student leaders at the Investiture Ceremony and coming together to celebrate India’s Independence Day, to seeing our students excel in academics, sport, and the arts, the month reflected the many ways our students learn and grow beyond the classroom.
Our classrooms also took learning into the wider world through field trips, while sessions on wellbeing, safeguarding, and digital behaviour helped strengthen a supportive environment for both students and staff. Our youngest Oakridgers explored culture through celebrations and hands-on activities, while across the school, students continued to find opportunities to express themselves, collaborate, and take initiative.
As we look ahead, there is much more to look forward to, from new student-led initiatives and inter-house activities to continued opportunities for learning, competition, and community. Each of these experiences adds to the larger journey we are building with our students: helping them become curious learners, confident individuals, and thoughtful members of the community.
Warm regards
Shaila Bhamidipati
Principal
Oakridge International School, Visakhapatnam
Investiture Ceremony
Our Junior and Senior Prefects from the Primary and Secondary Years officially stepped into their leadership roles at our Investiture Ceremony.
At Oakridge, we believe student leadership gives young people the opportunity to have a voice in their community, listen to others, take initiative, and turn ideas into action. The new prefects now begin a journey that goes beyond a title, with the responsibility of representing their peers, and contributing meaningfully to school life.
Leadership Beyond the Badge
Our Senior Prefects stepped beyond their titles for a leadership workshop led by our Principal. Through activities, conversations, and reflection, they explored what leadership means to them, how to navigate challenges, the responsibilities that come with their roles, and how the choices they make today can shape who they become tomorrow.
At Oakridge International School, Visakhapatnam, we see student leadership as more than holding a position. It is about learning to take responsibility, listen, adapt, make thoughtful decisions, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Independence Day Celebrations
Our Independence Day celebration brought students and teachers together through the hoisting of the National Flag, patriotic songs, and bringing stories of courage and sacrifice to life through dance, storytelling, and theatre. Student speeches encouraged everyone to reflect on what independence means today and the responsibility of shaping the future.
University Pathways
Riea Jasmine from IBDP 2 has received an offer from the University of Sydney to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce.
The university is ranked 25th globally in the QS World University Rankings, marking an exciting next step in Riea’s academic journey.
Creativity Meets Science
Abhay Saket received an Honourable Mention in the Art of Biomedicine competition conducted by the University of Melbourne.
The international competition invited high school students to explore the hidden world of health, biology, and the human body through creative expression. This year’s theme, The Inner Universe: The Hidden World of Biomedicine, brought science and art together, with more than 370 submissions from students across 63 high schools in India.
Oakridgers Shine in Sports
Our students had a strong month on the sporting front, with students bringing home medals at the district and state levels in Taekwondo, alongside achievements in basketball and speed skating.
At the NAPTA District Kyorugi and Poomsae Taekwondo Championship 2026, our students won six gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.
Gold: Srirama Rugved Paila (Grade 5), Ahmad Husain Anantnub (Grade 12), Mahalakshmi Kanakala (Grade 10), Bhavika Bellana (Grade 6), Shanmukha Priya Balabolu (Grade 7) and Thaswika Mannam (Grade 10).
Silver: Rajmouli Boodu (Grade 12), Sri Aarohi Koripalli (Grade 8), Gowshik Sri Pranav Kalla (Grade 6) and Zainab Yalwa Anantnub (Grade 12).
Bronze: Jinendra Sanapala (Grade 9) and Devansh Pisini (Grade 5).
At the NAPTA State Level Taekwondo Championship 2026, Ahmad Husain Anantnub and Shanmukha Priya Balabolu won silver, while Mahalakshmi Kanakala, Bhavika Bellana and Zainab Yalwa Anantnub secured bronze medals.
The sporting success continued with Joshua Nakka (Grade 10) securing third place with the Vizag Basketball Youth Team at the Youth Inter-District Basketball Championship, and Dhaavan Patrudu Lanka (Grade 6) winning two silver medals at the Under-12 Open National Speed Skating Championship.
Primary Math Wizard Competition
Our Primary Math Wizards put their problem-solving and logical-thinking skills to the test at the Primary Math Wizard Competition.
From quick calculations to challenging problems, students explored mathematics in a fun and competitive setting. The event was hosted by our IBDP 2 students, who took on the role of quizmasters and helped create an engaging learning experience for their younger peers.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our students stepped outside the classroom to connect their learning with real-world experiences.
Students visited Ramanarayanam, exploring the Ramayana through storytelling, culture, and immersive experiences. Grades 7 and 8 visited the Geological Survey of India, while our DP students explored marine science and biodiversity at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute. Their visit included exposure to research around climate change, conservation, fish breeding, molecular biology, and genetics.
These experiences gave students an opportunity to connect classroom learning with culture, science, research and the world around them.
Supporting Wellbeing in a Changing Digital World
Our student counsellor conducted a training session for teachers focused on understanding the changing language and behaviours emerging in students’ digital lives.
The session explored how educators can respond thoughtfully rather than reactively, while maintaining clear and assertive boundaries. Teachers also discussed ways to recognise patterns, support students without shame or judgement, and seek further help when needed. The session reinforced the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for students and staff alike.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Our team from Nord Anglia Education conducted sessions focused on enhancing the boarding experience, effective boarding curriculum implementation, and safeguarding practices.
These sessions strengthened awareness of safeguarding and wellbeing while reinforcing our shared responsibility to create and maintain safe, supportive environments across the school community.
Building Young Athletes
Students have launched OakTrack X, a student-led athletics club designed to build fitness, running ability, discipline, and teamwork through weekly training sessions.
The club is open to students across different age groups, with training adapted according to age groups, creating an accessible space for students to develop their athletic abilities together.
Inter-house Dance Competition
The stage came alive with rhythm, energy and plenty of talent at our Inter-house Dance Competition, with students from Grade 3 onwards participating in both solo and group performances.
The competition gave students an opportunity to express themselves through movement, showcase their creativity and represent their houses with confidence and enthusiasm.
Grandparents’ Day Celebration
Students were excited to welcome their grandparents to school, share their world with them, and celebrate the people who have been part of their journey.
The day was filled with proud smiles, shared stories and plenty of affection, making it a memorable celebration for our students and their families.
Intercultural learning
Our learners explored the joy and meaning of Janmashtami, Onam, and Ganesh Chaturthi through traditional attire, music, dance, and creative art.
The celebration offered children an opportunity to experience culture first-hand while developing an appreciation for traditions, values, and different perspectives.
Teachers’ Day Celebration
Teachers’ Day was a celebration of the people who inspire, guide and support our students every day.
The celebration featured student performances, followed by plenty of energy and friendly competition as teachers and students took to the cricket pitch and volleyball court together.
Boarding Life Beyond the Classroom
Life in boarding continues to offer students opportunities to discover new interests, build friendships, and develop independence.
Students took part in clubs and activities including robotics, chess, art and cooking, alongside an outing to museums.
