Parent Teacher Connect

Parent Teacher Connect for the pre-primary was conducted on Saturday 21^st July 2012. 

It enabled a good working relationship between the parents and teachers. Parents had a brief overview at the curriculum. The parents actively participated in various strategies conducted to gain an understanding on the curriculum. 

The session concluded with a message –“A student is best served when the relationship between the parent and the teacher and the school and home is reciprocal and supportive.”

School visit to Australia

Each school is a community with its own special characteristics. A team of five teachers from various campus of Oakridge International School, went on a school visit to Mount Scopus, Geelong Grammar School and Wesley College in Melbourne. Our three day visit to these schools in Australia provided us with an opportunity to see learn and gave valuable insights about various schools across the globe .Oakridge believes in empowering its students as well as teachers and this was an amazing opportunity given by the management. This kind of endeavor enables us to connect with the wider world thus enriching our experience and empowering us to improve our own methodologies. It gave us a unique opportunity to interact with different faculties, students and heads of these different schools as well as to be a part of their learning.

All in all it was a successful trip for all of us and we came back enriched and enlightened .It was a memorable, unique and   invigorating travel experience.

Guest Lecture by Col. Arun Moghe & Mrs. Mohini Moghe

Date: 24 / 07/ 12 (Wednesday)

Today we started our day on a wonderful mission of taking action on the social cause of helping orphans in connection to our CAS. We were guided by two selfless human beings, Mr. & Mrs. Moghe who is dedicated towards this noble and very touchy cause through their organisation named Kutumbam. We were deeply moved and touched by the simplicity, concern and warm heartedness of the teachers towards these special kids. They start their day with a smile on their faces and end it with a broader smile, peace and content when they see that they have given a family, a home, acceptance, recognition and education to those who don’t have these.  And believe me, after seeing the video footage of Kutumbam, it won’t be exaggeration, if I say that the kids at the organisation are happy and contended as well. They look completely in sync with the teachers as a family. There is no discrimination, no barrier of any sorts on their freedom of expressions and knowledge.  We were overwhelmed by their presentation. We have learnt that there are many small ways and means by which we can help these kids towards a better future. It’s not only money; it’s the concern and awareness towards this cause which will make a difference in the society. I am sure we all have definitely made a promise to ourselves that we would do something for these kids in whatever possible way we can.

Kutumbam is an organisation where such kids get education till the age of 14. They get healthy food, tuitions, playtime and of course overall self development opportunity. After 14 yrs of age they get vocational training in various courses depending on their interest and capability so that by the age of 18 they become financially independent and self reliant. 

We really enjoyed our visit to the OIS on 25 July 2012. I am certain that some awareness has got created among the children about the problems which poor orphans face and what one can do about it.

Thanks a ton for this awareness creation campaign. It is being done at the right time.

With best wishes to all the teachers and the students,

- Col A K Moghe

Magical Spell of Harry Potter

On 31 July 2012, Oakridge International Newton Campus celebrated Harry Potter’s Day to mark the occasion of the birthday of J.K.Rowling.

The little ones of Pre Primary came dressed up as Harry Potter and some of the other characters in the story. It was an wonderful seeing the tiny tots parading all over the ground waving hands and spreading their magical spell all over the place. They enjoyed making magical wand, brooms and magic hats. They had a fun time watching a presentation on Harry Potter.

                                                 An act that has influenced MANY!!!

In connection with the inquiry into adaptations of living things, learners while learning about “human impact on natural habitats” suggested tips to save the environment to conserve the existing creatures on the planet. They initiated the action of creating posters to spread awareness in the school community.

Saina Rao has taken the action back at home in a large way by creating poster on stopping pollution for a better environment and tried spreading awareness in her locality. The residents responded by signing and supported her in this drive by pledging to do their bit in saving environment.

   

                                         Formative assessment 

The students presented their learning through ‘Artist and Canvas’. The basic concept of this presentation was depicting their cultures and social norms.

Students were enthusiastic and performed a variety of cultures like Halloween day, Celebrations of Diwali festival and Ganesh festival. They also showcased a change of culture in different religions and the tribal culture.

We are smart!

Students of Grade III had a wonderful opportunity of interacting with famous Tollywood director Mr.Vamsi Paidipally in their interesting journey of the UOI topic “All kinds of minds".

Film making is an art that involves the time and energy of many people and involves all the smarts (multiple intelligence).Mr. Vamsi could very well connect the eight smarts to different departments of movie making. Children got a good idea that movie making is a community of people of different smarts.  Children got an insight about the importance of the different “smarts” and how they are applied in real life.

Students of Grade 3 thank Mr. Vamsi for sparing his Valuable time!

Class Talk for Grade 6

“Dreams are the touchstones of our character” quotes Henry David Thoreau.

The aim of class talk becoming a part of the Oakridge’s curriculum is primarily to instil confidence amongst children to speak in front of people, besides encouraging them to put on their thinking caps and facilitate the teachers to act as mentors and working on their shortcomings.

The first class talk of this year “What I want to be and how will it make a difference” showcased the passion amongst children, high energy levels and above all their zeal to excel.

The childrenspoke on theirdreams/ aspirations ranging from being a professional, like a doctor or an architect, to venturing into areas like sociology and business leadership. What was heartening to note was that the children orchestrated their Ideas towards a single cause: undertaking a change.

The brilliance and innovativeness displayed by the children coupled with articulation of thoughts made us sit back and take notice of their innate talent, intrinsically happy and set benchmarks for the school to take them to higher echelons in the months to come.

The class talk, all in all,kindled their brain and brought in clarity to their thoughts. And against the backdrop of the above, our objective of the class talk was comprehensively achieved.

PARENTS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

(A SEMINAR ON POSITIVE PARENTING FOR GRADE VI)

“One hundred years from now, it won’t matter what car I drove,what kind of house I lived in, how much I had in my bank account ,nor  what my clothes looked like.But the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child.”

How correctly someone has put it! In connection with the unit of inquiry on “Changes during adolescence”, we organized a seminar on “Positive Parenting” for Grade VI parent's .The Panelists were Dr.Nazia Khan (School Doctor), MsSharon Santhosh (Student Advisor) and Ms.Shirisha Bollu (Nutritionist).

Anita Reddy (V.Abhinav Reddy VI)- The session was great. We discussed so many things. Quiet informative and great workshop –C)

Pooja Parmar Reddy VI- It was an interesting session happy to know that the school counselors are so supportive & involved with our kids growing process. I am very happy with this programme –Valuable facts discussed by the staff and parents. Very good session!

K Sunita(Dev Aaryan VID)- It was quite informative .Thanks! I am glad the school has something like this.

Sweta Bajpai- The session was informative and interactive. Good Job!

Lopa (Ayush VID)- Informative session!!!-It was a fantastic session, very informative and a big eye opener. Thanks So much!

 

MadhulitaDas (Om DasVID)- It was a nice effort to have parents has a look at the presentations made to the children.

Global Communication Initiative

A new initiative was introduced in school in collaboration with Verdentum an NGO -   the  launch of  a “Global Communication Initiative” the objective of which is to encourage debate and conversation surrounding pressing social and environmental issues and policy matters between schools across the globe using Skype and Video conferencing. We hope this will help students in developing and developed nations communicate and understand differences in perspectives as well as bridge divides.

For the launch a Skype session was organized in school with the “Brilliant Stars School” in Tripura. This is a non-profit school, and is introducing innovative teaching methods in a rural setting.  The session with the students in Tripura was very interactive and involved the Grades VII and VIII. We propose to have more such sessions with schools in India and abroad.

Some reflections.........

Sharon: Considering the geographical status of both the regions, we found we had diverse issues to discuss and come up with solutions. I found it to be a very fruitful experience. 

Esha: It was interesting to interact and I look forward to more of these sessions

Sai Tenneti: I enjoyed the Skype session a lot. I learned that Tripura does not have as serious electricity problems as we do and they have a huge power plant nearby.

Vidip: It was a lot of fun interacting with students from Tripura. They really liked our Green Rangers campaign and want to start something like it. 

Preetika: It was an absolute delight to learn more about the situations and environmental issues areas with varied and diverse landscapes face.

Pre-primary - Grandparents Day Celebration

Few can bring the warmth

We can find in their embrace,

And little more is needed to bring love.

With that million dollar smile on their face.

Grandparent’s day was celebrated by the Pre-primary on Friday 27 July 2012. Grandparent’s received a warm and traditional welcome from our children with flowers. They enjoyed immensely along with their grandchild. They shared their memories and experience of their grandchild with everyone. It was a memorable day for all the grandparents and children as well.

FEEDBACK OF PRE-PRIMARY GRANDPARENT’S

The gathering had been very enjoyable and a good experience of various activities of the children.  It was impressive to see the method of teaching in an interesting way.  Thank you for this good opportunity and wishing all of you the best of the time.
Grandparents of Anaya Atwal (PP1C)

Today is an important day in my life as I have spent some time with my grandson Rishikesh in his great School.  Thanks for inviting for this function. It will be a sweet memory forever. 
Grandparents of Rishikesh PP2D

This is a wonderful experience to me and my husband.  This is the first time we enjoyed as grandparents in the school with our kids.

Thank you so much.

Grandparents of Divij (PP1B)

I am very happy to have participated in this programme. Thank you to the teachers for their nice and kind hospitality.

Grandparents of Shreyas (PP1D)

I felt very happy to be recognized and invited by the school as kavya’s grandmother.  It’s an honor that I will always cherish this moment.

Grandmother of Kavya (PP1C)

It is a loving program revival of childhood of ours as children.

Aahana’s Grandparent (PP2A)

I love coming to school and my granddaughter is very happy (PP2C)

Very happy with the activity of the school (pp2B)

I am very happy to see the cooperation of the teachers with students just like a family. (pp2E)

Looking at all these programmes I was reminded of my school days and I felt very happy as a grandparent we are so honored. Thank you so much to the School and the teachers.

Grandparents of Kimaaya (PP2F)

Open house reflection

When I enrolled my daughter in PYP program this year, I was oblivious how structured the program was and the methodologies. I read a little bit about it but getting the practical exposure is very different. After the open house I totally understand how kids impart their knowledge and how closely they related to outside world. The vocabulary exercise was quite thoughtful.   Our kids need to get exposed to challenges that would trigger innovative thinking with resources that are available and I see that PYP is such program, which stimulates innovative thinking. 

Thanks to management for organizing such sessions!

"Learn while you Play" - Animal Adaptations 

- Open House at IVG

I had a great time being kid among kids at Oakridge IV-G open house held on July 24, 2012. The teacher started off with open fire round of questions on Adaptations of Animals. Kids were so excited to share their knowledge on the topic and their experiences. The topics included Herbivorous, Carnivorous, Extinct, Endangered, Insectivorous, Saprophytes, Parasites, Camouflage, hibernation and some others. I could see the confidence and knowledge kids had on the topic and being reflective on how to use the terminology as well. Once kids are familiar/understand the meaning of the above topics, they played Bingo with the above words. The teacher read the meaning of the word and they had to choose the correct word and play Bingo. Kids had lot of fun playing as they were rewarded with stickers for each Bingo row/column and Full Bingo. It was like "Learn while you Play" session.

I would like to thank Ms.Deepa for making class room an active and creative learning place where kids are inquirers and show initiative to learn new things.

 Overall the concept of Bingo entertained and educated kids thoroughly on the concept of Adaptations of Animals. I enjoyed it!

CAS

“CAS” gives students the means to learn through experience and how to take action in the service of others. CAS provides a major opportunity for ethical education, understood as involving principles, attitudes and behaviour. The emphasis in CAS is on helping students to develop their own identities, in accordance with the ethical principles embodied in the IB mission statement and the IB learner profile. Various ethical issues will arise naturally in the course of CAS activities, and may be experienced as challenges to a student’s ideas, instinctive responses or ways of behaving.

 The students of Grade 5 had  a CAS  program addressed by Dr. Soujanya,an eminent surgeon, on  26 July.The  focus was ‘Disabled people or Specially-abled people’. The session made the students aware about the significance of  fostering empathy for these people  and the attitude toward Individuals with disabilities. It was informative ,interesting and an interactive one.

Our Surrounding

On Thursday, 26 July 2012 the children of Preprimary were sensitized about CAS Program. 

Teachers spoke about taking care of the surroundings through circle time and presented a role play for children.

Chicken Soup for the Soul- My Story

 25 July, around 2:30p.m, suddenly my footwear gave away (first time in school), and my first reaction was GOSH...how will I manage now?

Suddenly I remembered that Nursery teachers had an extra pair in their classes last year, so I called Asha and asked her if she could help me. She didn't have an extra pair but assured me that she will tell other PP teachers too.

All forgotten under my work then  - giving feedback to a teacher about the observation, trying to respond to a parent note left on my table , listening to a complaint by a teacher,

and so many others.

Miraculously at 3:30 p.m. somebody comes and ask me if I had asked for a pair of chappals. Then out came an oversized pair of footwear from a bag, that person said Shobha ma'am sent it for you and asked for your chappals. I thought it was an extra pair, she said 'no, she thought I have to stay in school for the meeting and will face difficulty in moving around, and she is anyways going home so she can manage. I had my doubts about Shobha fitting her size 7 or 8 foot in my size 5 foot wear. She insisted, so I gave mine, called Shobha, said a quick -- hey, thanks, will you be able to manage.

As always-  an emphatic ‘yes’ left me to carry on with my work without further worry.

After the evening meeting was over, I was sharing this incident with Shalini and Savitha in the bus.

But it was only after I got down at the L&T gate and had to walk a good distance to the end of the complex to reach my apartment did it fully dawn on me that I am walking comfortably because somebody has sacrificed their comfort for me. She had already reached her home with all the discomfort by then. But this gesture touched my soul, and the line which I read just few days back unfolded itself with its full meaning –

"Charity is not about giving what you don't need but giving what you need”

This act was not done for any appreciation, certificate or gift but out of 'pure love'

Believe me I was not thinking of the discomfort that Shobha must have gone through, but my soul was so touched by this act that with each step I was taking my soul sent million blessings to Shobha that whenever she is in a tough situation the universe will have an army of angels to help her out.

Thanks a ton Shobha, I am super lucky to have a friend like you.

 And after eons I caught myself thinking about the sentence

 "The Buddha in me meets the Buddha in you”