Guinea Pig Project

At our school, we believe that healthy meals are the foundation of a thriving learning environment. That’s why we’re mindful about every ingredient we use in our school meals, ensuring that they are nutritious, organic, and sustainably sourced. One of the staples in our daily meals is a blend of organic red rice and white rice, carefully selected to provide both health benefits and a texture that kids enjoy. But what makes our rice special? It’s not just about the nutrition—it’s also about how it’s grown. We source our rice from local farmers who practice eco-friendly farming methods, including the use of eco-enzyme fertilizers. This not only produces high-quality, chemical-free rice but also supports sustainable agriculture. Why We Choose Organic Red Rice Red rice is a powerhouse of nutrition. Unlike white rice, it retains its bran layer, which is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Here’s why we include red rice in our school meals: High in fiber – Helps with digestion and keeps kids fuller for longer. Rich in antioxidants – Protects the body from harmful free radicals. Supports heart health – Contains natural compounds that help regulate cholesterol levels. Helps in energy production – Packed with B vitamins that aid in metabolism. Balancing Nutrition and Taste While red rice is highly nutritious, its texture can be firmer than what kids are used to. To make it more palatable, we blend red rice with organic white rice. This combination maintains the nutritional benefits of red rice while ensuring a softer, fluffier texture that children enjoy. Eco-Enzyme Fertilizers: A Sustainable Choice The farmers who supply our white rice use eco-enzyme fertilizers, a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. Eco-enzymes are made from fermented fruit and vegetable scraps, creating a nutrient-rich solution that: Improves soil quality Enhances plant growth naturally Reduces chemical waste in farming Supports biodiversity and eco-friendly agriculture By supporting farmers who use eco-enzyme fertilizers, we are not only ensuring that our students eat the best quality rice but also promoting a more sustainable future for agriculture. As we continue to make mindful food choices, we invite parents and the community to explore red rice at home, too! Try mixing it with white rice, just like we do at school, to create a balanced and nutritious meal. Together, we can nurture a generation that values both their health and the planet—one mindful meal at a time.

Finally, the time that we have been waiting for is here, CAMPING at SCHOOL! The students have been preparing themselves for camping at school for months. They learned about water purifying and earth rotation (day and night) in Science class, about scouts and campfires in Thematic class, about 3D shapes and tents in Math class, and procedure text (for recipes) in English class. Students arrive at 2 PM with all their stuff and they have to check in by writing what they bring for camping, after that they get their new uniform! After everyone arrived and changed into the new uniform, we sat down and had circle time to start our camping. In circle time, we talked about the camp rules and the schedule, all students did very well and some students asked a couple of questions to clarify some things. The first activity they have to do is to set up their own tent. Students were divided into groups of 3 and 4, they got one tent and a couple of futons. We were going to set all the tents outside, but the weather was not on our side, it was drizzling and not promising. So, in plan B, we decided to set up the tent inside the building. The girls did very well setting up their own tent, teachers helped them a little bit. The boys also did well, only one team felt demotivated during setting up their tent. With encouragement, they finally set up their tent successfully! After that, they prepared their dinner. Students were divided into 3 different groups, which were the main course, drinks, and snacks. They happily worked together to make their own dinner! Due to the bad weather, we had to come up with a plan B, because a campfire was not going to happen. Before dinner, they had a treasure hunt, which was really interesting and entertaining. Kids were working in groups with the help of one teacher. The winner got a present from the treasure chest! We also needed to fill the gap in the schedule, where we were supposed to do a campfire, so we decided to watch some movies. Lastly, we said farewell to our Korean friends and we gave out the badges as well. Some kids didn't manage to get all four badges and were quite understanding after hearing the explanation. We see some students overcome some challenges, some make good friends, some get demotivated and get back up, and some work together happily. Overall, it was a great experience for students and teachers, and for parents as well. Until next time! Documentation: On the camping day, the children received their new school uniforms and took photos together Children still need help from their teacher to build their tent Primary girls's tent They were hungry after build a tent Treasure Hunt In the evening, they enjoyed the snacks they brought from home They enjoyed snack after finish building tent Girl team prepared onigiri for their dinner Took turn for delicious onigiri A brief but memorable campfire We decided to build the tent inside the room due to rain all day long Our morning breakfast prepared by teachers Boys group prepared for dinner Preparing for dinner

In the beginning, the decision to introduce batik making was inspired by the students' familiarity with batik as one of Indonesia's iconic art forms. Far from showing any resistance, the students eagerly contributed ideas, suggesting patterns could be applied to various media such as cups, sculptures, and more. Ultimately, the decision was made to work with fabric, aiming to immerse the students in the rich culture of batik within the fashion industry. Throughout the preparation process, we encountered numerous challenges. One significant hurdle was the realization that, while our students were familiar with batik as a final product, they had never been exposed to the batik-making process itself, nor were they aware of its historical significance and utility. Another obstacle was the frequent misselection of materials, from choosing the right type of fabric to finding the ideal wax that was absorbent and melted efficiently. By the seventh week, we invited an expert from the Indonesian Institute of the Arts in Denpasar, who illuminated our path by clarifying the suitable types of fabric and wax, and even suggested the use of electric canting. This advice proved invaluable for our students' learning experience in the lead-up to the grand Output Day. The nine-week preparation process was not just about creating batik; it was an extensive learning journey. Pak Nanda, the teacher guiding the Fabulous Batik group, along with Pak Samuel, provided an educational environment that encouraged learning from mistakes. This approach allowed students to discover the correct steps to prevent future errors. Pak Nanda emphasized that these lessons were universal, extending beyond the classroom. The ultimate motivator for the students was the possibility of selling their beautiful batik creations. The process, collaborative brainstorming, and the outcomes served as critical learning tools for the students in preparation for Output Day. Another key aspect was learning how to communicate and teach the batik-making process to parents and visitors at the Fabulous Batik Group booth. Furthermore, the experience of presenting in front of their peers played a significant role in their learning journey. What filled us with pride was watching the students improvise their speeches, setting aside the cue cards provided to them. Over weeks of preparation, these points became habitual, showcasing the students' growing confidence and autonomy. In the end, Pak Nanda and Pak Samuel hope to further tailor the program to each student's passion, making it easier for them to explain and present their work and to attract external visitors, potentially leading to participation in larger exhibitions. This journey with batik has not just been about learning a traditional craft; it has been a transformative experience for our students, teaching them about culture, creativity, and the power of perseverance. The Fabulous Batik project at Taruwara Primary has shown us all how art can inspire, educate, and unite. Everyone is busy preparing their booth Get a short briefing from the teachers before the gate open Batik Squad attract the guests to visit their booth Alana and Adzka impressed the crowd by their explanation Stand by and be ready for the exhibition time Our first two guests are very excited This is how we teach our guests how to use canting for making batik sketch Hot wax in a pan with warning sign. We don't want our guests to get hurt like we had in trainings