School Song

Paavani
IBDP

We have a name. We have a logo. We have a uniform. Up until now, these three features used to be the sole factors that defined the physical identity of our school. Now, we welcome a refreshing addition to this mix. Our school song!  Written and composed by the Dean of Performing Arts, Mr. Geeve Matthew, our school song reflects the vision that drives and versatility offered at Oakridge.  The lyrics explain themselves, offering a sense of belongingness, fun, familiarity, acknowledgement of faults, respect, appreciation, and the encompassing motto we all gain knowledge by at Oakridge, learning the treasure within. I’d like to elaborate on my personal reaction when I first heard the complete song during morning assembly on Monday December 6^th, 2010. The arrangement was set up for all Founder’s Day choir members to sing, followed by a reading of the lyrics by our Principal, Capt. Rohit Bajaj, and another rendition of our proud song. The choir had enormous range, voicing the lyrics with clarity and consistency. The words themselves made me feel proud to be an Oakridger, since the song was so easy to relate to and after one performance, I found myself joining in the chorus to sing “Oakridge International, Oakridge my school.”  By lunchtime that day, the simple yet substantive lyrics had etched themselves in my memory. I couldn’t stop singing, or at least humming the tune, during all my classes. Although it was an unexpected surprise, our school song is one of the greatest gifts bestowed by the creativity promoted here at Oakridge. A facet of the legacy I wish to leave when I leave Oakridge at the end of this year, I hope to sing the school song with perfection.

TOK Debate

On 4^th of December, the students of IBDP 11 and 12 attended the TOK debate session. The topic for the debate was “Art is a lie, but it brings us closer to the truth” which is the quote by great artist Pablo Picasso. Since all the speakers were selected on the spot after 20 minutes of preparation time, some were in a great fluster to be ready for the debate and some hoped so desperately not to be selected, and I was one of them. Probably as a punishment of evading the problem, I was selected with my classmate, Ansh as the speakers for the topic. On the other side, Paavani and Julian were selected to speak against the topic.. Since they were our seniors, we were extremely scared as they are famous for their oratory and debating skills.. Moreover, since it was the first TOK debate, I was extremely nervous, therefore, when I was speaking, I could feel that I was blushing!!!

Being the speaker on the pro-side, I was the first one to express my opinion. Frankly speaking, it was hard to prove that all the art forms are lie that do not demonstrate the truth and reality, although the main debate had to be on whether the art brings us closer to the reality. I tried my best to explain my opinion even by showing Min’s paintings as an example of art work, and the sculptures of King Ravana that I observed during the trip to Ajanta Ellora. We deliberated that the God cannot exist in the same form as the sculpture demonstrates, thus the sculptures which are also accounted as art, are lies. However, sculptures bring us much closer to God by understanding the real meaning that the sculptor tried to convey.

Paavani and Julian claimed that all the forms of art is not definitely lie, giving the examples of the art forms that are near to us that we cannot consider as complete lie. Indeed, it was an intense debate that I ever had. As the conclusion, we all claimed that not all the forms are not false or lie; however, it is right that the art forms bring us closer to the truth when we analyze the different aspects of interpretation simultaneously.

After the debate was over, all the tension within me was completely removed and I felt extremely relieved. Maybe because of that, and since I was so paranoid about debating with the seniors, right after the debate, I started crying. Now when I look back at that moment, I feel embarrassed a lot. However, because of this debate, I have learnt a lot of things, indeed. first of all, I could improve my speaking skills, how to express my opinion with appropriate examples, and furthermore, how to analyze one concept or thesis at different levels. Finally, as a TOK student, I felt participating in the debate made me understand the concepts that we dealt with during the classes in much detail, and utilize them in relating with another topics.

Lucy Shin Hyun Jung

IBDP 11 B

First-Aid camp held by the GVK (108) EMRI

        Akshay Gulati

               IB 11 (A)

On Friday, 3^rd Dec, we went to OIS Einstein campus, in Bachupally for the First-Aid camp designed to increase awareness among students. It was held by the GVK (108) EMRI, and was a great opportunity. I learnt a lot about dealing with emergencies that we come across in our everyday life and about the principles in providing first aid. At the center we were introduced to various medical related problems and how we can help as an onlooker at the time of an emergency. We had a few practical sessions and had a chance to practice “CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR)”. In the end, we were provided with a handbook followed by a test based on what we learnt. I felt that this experience has helped me better understand the impact of first aid in an emergency. It is vital that citizens in society remain alert and ready to respond and act quickly in the crucial hour of need. I have learnt that we must be prepared for these eventualities as they always come unexpected. As we say “destiny is not the matter of chance but the matter of choice, and together we can make a difference”.

First Responder- one day training by GVK EMRI

Ms.Ann George,
Student Advisor

Do you know which number to dial when you witness a medical emergency??? If you didn’t its 108!!

And did you know that a person with a nose bleed should be encouraged to bend forward to stop a nosebleed instead of throwing his head back?

It was a privilege to be a part of the 15 member group that attended the First Responder- one day training by GVK EMRI on the Oakridge Einstein campus. This day long workshop was held on Friday, December 4^th.

The group spent a half day on gaining theoretical knowledge and the other half of the session as spent in actual hands on training to handle emergencies. With the help of an American Health Association video, various areas were covered, especially those relevant to school emergencies.

A first Responder’s action is based some general principles, condensed into an anagram – DR.CAB. Expanded to mean:

D for Danger (scene safety)

R for Response (patient’s responses)

C for Circulation (pulse)

A for Airway

B for breathing

The session was further divided into dealing with Medical emergencies and trauma.

 A very interesting section on suicide and self harm was conducted by Ms Vibha Pandey, enlightening school personnel to be watchful for students who show obvious signs of distress which may lead them to take their lives. The importance of reassurance and boosting an individual’s self worth, would perhaps the most essential support anybody can give to a person who is emotionally faltering.

The hands on experience of doing CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and reviving a non responsive person were some of the exciting parts of the practical session.

It was a great learning both for the students and teachers who attended this indeed informative session.

Learning through play

Ms.Ritu Agarwal

PP1 Team Leader

There are hundreds of different images of the child .Each one of us has inside us an image of the child that directs us to relate to a child. Revisiting that image we had two Parent volunteers as guest lecturers relating to our topic “Learning through play”.

  Mrs.Hema Ganapathy,  mother of Vidyawini  from PP1E and Neelima Kalidindi mother of Aditya Chintalapati from PP1C . They   demonstrated different kinds of play “Long long ago and now”.  They interacted with all our children and showed them games like seven stones, snakes and ladder, Chinese checker and Ashta chamma (fours and eights). They shared the  uniqueness of the games played during their time.They integrated these games with  English and Math. We extend our appreciation to these parents .

Cheers to all the OIS Newton Campus Bloggers

Wow! What an incredible month OIS has  had! We've reached 100 blog posts since the  OIS Newton Campus blog launch on 4^th of November 2010 to 5^th December 2010 .

Our sincer  appreciation for your contributions -  Oakridge bloggers.

Live Your Dream - Dr. Gopichand Mannam

On December 4^th we went to star hospitals and met Dr. Gopichand Mannam, who is a cardiothoracic surgeon. At approximately 10a.m we went to his room and spoke  with him. As part of our questionnaire we asked him how it feels like to be a doctor and he told us that it feels very good to help other people, but if you take their compliments too seriously you will feel like god, but no one is equal to god. Then for our most awaited moment he took us into the operation theatre and we got to see a real live heart.  After a period of taking some videos and pictures, asking questions about the procedure, and watching the surgery we thanked Dr.Gopichand for the opportunity and decided to make a move. We also learnt a lot of things about cardiothoracic surgery like for example we learnt that anesthesia, blood and oxygen levels, and amazingly the levels of laughing gas. Not only did we have fun and learn many new things during this trip, but also this visit gave us a better understanding of becoming a doctor and we really appreciate the Live Your Dream program.

Naga Avinash Raya  and Viraj Muthyala

Grade VIII

Live Your Dream - Mrs.Asmita Marwa

We were given the opportunity to meet Mrs.Asmita Marwa, a professional in the field of fashion designing. During our interactions, we asked her questions about her daily routine, her inspirations, challenges and competition in the industry and about what universities we could aim for. Mrs. Marwa took us to her workshop where she demonstrated how she created her designs and placed orders. She showed us some of her prized collections, which were integrated with spiritual and ethnic colors. Mrs. Marwa explained how, as a child, she had always had that flair for artistic talent, but never really decided to pursue it. She completed a degree in psychology and continued to use her creativity whenever possible, be it in cooking, jewelry making or interior decorating.

She soon realized that designing was the way in which she wanted to express herself, and starting from scratch, took it up professionally. Mrs. Marwa launched her label in 2003 and by 2008, was recognized by many fashion committees, like the Blender’s fashion tour and the Lakme fashion show. She is now rated by Vogue magazine as one of the top Indian designers.

This project has been a wonderful opportunity and it has really helped us experience a career we’ve so far only dreamt of. It allowed us to ask queries, meet new people and learn from them. We have learnt that it is vital to constantly evolve and innovate and to never be afraid of voicing our opinions. Mrs. Marwa told us that we must be aware of everything and that this requires a lot of intuition. Most of all, it is important to follow what you enjoy doing and are passionate about, believing in what you do. We are now more confident about pursuing this career as our experience has truly helped us live our dream.

Divya Gutala & Archana Agarwal

Live Your Dream - Mr. S.P. Balasubramaniam

Some people get to choose their lives, others just stumble upon what comes to them. Often what happens is that you aren't allowed to see or adequately use the potential you might have in a particular field because opportunities are less or because risk of failure is high. I got an opportunity to hear first hand about the challenges and risks one might face while pursuing a particular career (Music, in my case) from the extremely gifted, popular, and humble singer of the age, Mr. S.P. Balasubramaniam who has won countless awards for many of his musical endeavours. We first interacted with him on the set of a telugu music show for children, asking him a few questions about how he got into singing. After an hour we progressed to more serious questions like those of risk taking in the industry. He was extremely patient with us graciously answering all our questions about his personal life experience. During the shooting for the show we heard him sing a song and got to watch a bit of the show as well. At the end when we decided to leave, he gave us all his blessings and wished the best for us in whatever career we wished to pursue reminding us to put education first as being in the music industry is very risky to anyone. Meeting such a famous singer up close was one of the best experiences i've ever had and i'll never forget his advice to all of us. I truly got to live my dream.

Apoorva Natarajan

Grade X

'Live your Dream' - Dr. Thangaraj at CCMB (Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology)

'Live your Dream' is a unique program which has helped us gain a better insight into the world of our careers. Me and Ritesh spent a day with the renowned scientist Dr. Thangaraj at CCMB (Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology) who has a PhD in cytogenetics on November 17th. He has discovered that 600 million people are at risk of cardiac arrest on genetic basis. He has also discovered the orgin of the Indian people, in particular the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He is very qualified in the field of human genetics.

This program helped us realize the hardships of living our dream and also the motivating factor of pursuing a career in our own field of interest. We also got to see the equipment that is available at CCMB such as the electron microscope, DNA sequencer etc. We also experienced a college level lecture at Osmania university which was very interesting even though we did not understand much. Althought the trip was very eventful, this trip could have been more insightful if it had been a working day so that we could see the regular work life of the people at CCMB and the equipment they have in action.

I would like to thank the school for giving us this wonderful opportunity to live our dream.

Apoorv (IB 11A)
Ritesh (10G)

LIVE YOUR DREAMS - OF CHARITY

M. Venkaiah Naidu
BJP leader

“Leaders need not be politicians,” said the daughter of the BJP leader, M. Venkaiah Naidu. She runs the charity foundation Swarna Bharat Trust. Every once a month, Mr. Venkaiah Naidu visits Swarna Bharat Trust, despite his career as a politician, he is very passionate about social service.

“Politics is an instrument to do service to the society,” he says. When we went to visit Swarna Bharat Trust in Nellore on the 14^th of November, a special medical camp was being held for Children’s Day. Every Children’s Day, a camp is held by pediatricians from Hyderabad and Chennai, specializing in a certain ailment. This year, the camp was for heart diseases. Seventy children are examined and those that need surgery are sent to hospitals in Chennai and Hyderabad. All of this is free of cost.

However, Swarna Bharat Trust also has a lot of day to day activities as well. There is a hospital where village people come for free checkups. There are eye, dental and oral specialists. There’s a Woman Training Center, where rural women are trained in arts like embroidery and dying so that they can become self-employed. There’s a Farmer Training Center as well, where farmers are taught modern agricultural methods. 10^th and 12^th grade dropouts are given basic computer training because, as Venkaiah Naidu says, “Every job requires computers.”

Before we educate people, it’s important to teach them the need of education. Bridge School in Swarna Bharat Trust does that. It was made to bridge the gap between what rural children know and don’t know. Most of children are orphans or workers. They are taught values, etiquettes and basic life skills. Then they are sent to their own village schools.

As well as these facilities, there are others as well. There’s an Elder’s Home, for elders to reside in comfort. There’s a veterinarian clinic, which treats village livestock and has a mobile clinic that goes from village to village. There’s an auditorium, where AV presentations are given for awareness, religious purposes and sometimes even entertainment.

 M. Venkaiah Naidu himself used to be very poor. He attended a village school in Nellore and joined the VR College there as well. He explains how he rose to power, first the class president, then an MLA. He first became an MLA in 1978, then again in 1983. He claims to be deeply inspired while studying law by freedom fighters. He was arrested during Indira Gandhi’s Emergency to serve his country. He appears to be a strong believer of Hinduism, Indian culture and BJP ideology.

The entire experience was amazing. We learnt a lot about ways we can implement our own desires on the society. Helping people can be done by anyone, a politician, a teacher or an ordinary person like you and me, as long as they have a good heart.

-POORVAJA RAJAGOPALAN, VIII E
  POORNIMA DANI, VIII E

Live Your Dream




Mr.Anju Amula

Chief Marketing Officer (Edu)

 

Oakridge International School which is India’s largest International School and Asia’s second largest  is  a proud mission-driven community of learners, immersed in an ethos of shared beliefs, achievement, and celebration. Our mission commits us to excellence, and our vision challenges us to prepare learners for enriched opportunities ahead.  As a 21st Century learning organization, we are dedicated to nurturing responsive and motivated students through a dynamic, success-oriented education programs empowering students with a Global and Local Perspective. Oakridge  strives  to develop  students as well-rounded individuals who are not afraid to try new things; modern day “Renaissance men and women” with broad interests and accomplishments.

As part of our this endeavor the Oakridge management designed an in house event called “Live your dreams”. An event where Oakridge International School acts as a dream coach to give the Secondary School Oakridgers a great chance to “Live their Dream for a day with their Idol  Role Model”. This is a means by which the  Oakridgers can aspire to reach the heights of success, by not only understanding but also analyzing the hard work and commitment that their Idol  Role Model has shown as an “Achiever”.

We are more than pleased to share that our students have had a magnificent time with their “Role Models” like Sri GVK Reddy (One of the best Entrepreneurs from South India), Sri Venkaiah Naidu (Renowned Politician and Social Activist), Sri S.P.Balasubramanyam (One of the great Singers that India has ever produced), Dr. Tangraj (Scientist- CCMB), Ms. Ashmita Marwah, Ms. Vinita Pittie, (both are famous Fashion Designers), Sri Prakash Reddy (Senior Advocate- AP High Court), Dr. Gopichand (Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery-Star Hospitals).

Still to meet…..Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Mr.Nagarjuna (Actor Producer), Mr. Rajamouli (Director), Dr.Ramesh, Sri Radhakrishna (Media),Mr.Keeravani (Music Director),  Saina Nehwal (Badminton Player).

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOW- PART ONE: Movie Review

Although JK Rowling’s incredible saga ended- memorably- on 7/7/07, the Warner Bros movie franchise continues to keep the magic alive for Potter fans everywhere.
But all good things come to an end, and the Warner Bros has made the most of it by splitting the final instalment into two parts, and staying as true to the books as possible.

This movie is distinct from the rest of the series in many ways, but the most poignant of all is that Harry, Hermione and Ron are finally out in the world, alone. They are on the run from Voldemort, and have severed ties with everyone- even Hogwarts.

The wizarding world has become a dark and dangerous place, with Voldemort back in power. The ministry of magic has become a front for evil, and their new “Magic is Might’ motto has dark undertones of Nazi Germany, what with the persecution of muggles (non-wizarding folk) and muggle-born wizards and witches.

Albus Dumbledore is made conspicuous by his absence in this film. The last instalment, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, ended with his death, and all that remains of Hogwarts’ beloved headmaster now is the quest he left to Harry, Hermione and Ron. They travel around the British countryside, completely out-of-touch with everyone else, searching for and destroying Horcruxes, which are magical objects with a portion of Voldemort’s soul concealed within them.
This movie is even more intricate than the rest, and while explanation is provided for Potter initiates, those familiar with the books have a distinct advantage.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I is the scariest instalment yet, and even adult viewers will find it difficult to stomach. Small children are definitely not advised to watch, and the proposed ‘R’ rating was only just avoided by the most minimum of editing.
Voldemort is more active, and he manages to infuse his scenes with a sense of dread and despair that continues to haunt the rest of the film.

The personalities and emotions of the trio are really explored in this film, and they manage to deliver some really poignant scenes. Our hearts were touched especially when Harry visits the graves of his parents, and Hermione magically removes traces of herself from her parent’s memory. Ron, also, has the opportunity to not just play the comedian, and truly exhibits authentic performances.
The relationships between the trio are also explored, with conflict arising in Ron and Harry’s friendship, awkwardness between Ron and Hermione, and the platonic affection between Harry and Hermione.

For a change, the scenes which are not in the book are truly touching and relevant. Moments like the Story of the Deathly Hallows, and Harry and Hermione dancing, add another dimension to the movie.

This movie ends at the biggest cliffhanger of all, and waiting till July for Part Two will be a real test of patience!

Aishwarya Narne

XI A

A Class mom / dad for every section of Grade 2

Ms.Anuradha Sawhney

Coordinator Grade 1 & 2

In early September this year we at OIS took yet another initiative. We elected one Class mom/dad for each section of grade 2’s. Our objective was to increase parental involvement, to allow parents to provide support as partners, to benefit children and also to give more transparency to parents.  At one of the class events, in the presence of all parents, nominations were called for and the class mom/dad showing the most potential to fill the role was elected.

Grade 2’s now stand strong with a team of 7 class moms and 1 class dad, each one of them supporting to bring in a positive change. They are attending meetings, volunteering, and supporting school events to enrich children’s learning achievement. The most successful feat being, persuading a minimum of 15 parents in each of the 8 sections to join the kids on a field trip on the MMTS.   

It’s a blessing to have them as a support.

                              Thank you all for being there…

Mercedes Benz - Young Star photography competition

Mercedes Benz sponsored  the Federation of  l’Art Photography  Biennial competition in the month of September this year .In theYoung Star photography competition for  all school students .Students were asked to give in  their photographs in relation with the topics of Nature and Technology .

Akshay Kiran Rao of Oakridge international school won the first place along with a Sony PS3. Janardhan  Pashupati and Swetha Jasti won the 2^nd and 3^rd place and won an iPod.

Ms.Gowri Venkatesh

Grade 9,10 Coordinator

Making a Difference

In an age of dwindling and diminishing values it was good to see the Oakridgers gear up for community service on Saturday 4^th December. I am witness to the tremendous response the Believe in India programme evoked in our children especially the Grade XI students who have always stepped forward in taking the initiative whether it is a fund raising drive or sharing their time with the students of the partner schools. I feel this is a very good initiative on the part of the school to provide opportunities to children that reinforce moral values among them. One is truly humbled by such experiences and it is a matter of pride to see how a small gesture on our part can empower a lesser privileged child to feel accepted in society and be a part of the mainstream culture. I would like to commend the grade XI students on their sincere efforts in trying to make a difference.

Ms.Mohseena Hussain

Grade XII, English Faculty

Substance Abuse Assembly- Dec 3rd,2010

Mr.Venkat Reddy

CAS In Charge

To mark  the last day of the Health Month,  the students of Senior secondary presented an assembly with an important message about Substance Abuse.

Exposure to substances is an imminent reality at some point in every student’s life. Informed youth have a better chance to stand up to the dangerous effects of substance abuse; contrary to the ignorant and the innocent. With this objective in mind, the students put up a short awareness assembly and made posters to conscientise the students of the evils that lurk behind a simple experimentation with drugs and alcohol.

As the coordinator for the week of Health Camps, I am grateful to Ms Gayatri and Ms Ann for encouraging the students to put in a good effort and making the assembly an effective one. I would like to acknowledge the following students for their untiring efforts. Prachi Gupta, Gamana Y., Sr Priya, Arya Reddy, Anamol, Salil Choudary, Adnan, Bhagyashree, Rupa Mani and others.