Growing in Harmony, Thriving in Connection: A Heartwarming Anniversary Celebration

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

Sometimes, all it takes is one good book to start a new habit. 📚✨ At Taruwara, we believe that reading and writing are more than just academic skills — they are the foundation for lifelong learning. From an early age, we encourage our students to see reading not as a task, but as an adventure that opens their imagination, strengthens their focus, and builds empathy through stories. For young learners, developing these skills early helps them express their thoughts more clearly, understand others’ perspectives, and grow confident in communicating their ideas. That’s why we continuously create meaningful opportunities for children to read, write, and reflect in ways that feel enjoyable and personal. 🌱 This semester, our Primary 3–4 students began a small reading challenge, to finish 40 books in one month. What started as a simple goal soon became an exciting surprise: together, they reached 50 books! 📖✨ Every morning, students spend time reading books of their choice. Afterward, they write short reflections or reviews to share their thoughts, feelings, and favorite parts of the stories. This routine helps them slow down, think deeply, and express themselves in writing, turning reading into a joyful habit rather than a duty. Teachers observed how this activity not only improved students’ reading comprehension and writing fluency but also changed their attitude toward learning. Many children now pick up books on their own, curious about new stories and eager to talk about what they’ve read. “At first, we simply wanted to help students improve their literacy skills,” one teacher shared. “But what touched us most was seeing how reading became something they truly look forward to. They now talk about books with excitement — and that’s when we know the love for learning has begun.” 💚 Through consistent practice, students are building self-discipline, critical thinking, and a genuine love for learning, values we hope they’ll carry far beyond the classroom. 💚 At Taruwara, our goal is to help every child grow into a confident, curious, and thoughtful learner. Because when children discover the joy of reading and writing, they don’t just learn, they transform. 🌿 How do you encourage reading time at home?We’d love to hear your ideas and experiences! Share your tips in the comments below 👇

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