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Sustainable Farming & Healthy meals: The Story Behind Our School’s Organic Rice
General News 20 Feb 2025

Sustainable Farming & Healthy meals: The Story Behind Our School’s Organic Rice

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.

Green Class Community Service: Caring for Street Dogs
Project Student 04 Dec 2024

Green Class Community Service: Caring for Street Dogs

At Taruwara Primary, our Green Class focuses on sustainability and environmental awareness, aligned with our school’s holistic approach to nurturing responsible global citizens. Recently, the students took on a heartwarming community service project, extending their learning beyond the classroom to make a meaningful difference in their local surroundings. The project aimed to care for the street dogs in the neighborhood surrounding our school. Together, the students created water filters using recycled gallon bottles, an innovative way to ensure clean water for the animals. They also prepared dog food, learning about proper nutrition for animals. Armed with their supplies and a lot of enthusiasm, the children ventured out to meet the street dogs along the school streets, offering them food and fresh water. This hands-on activity not only demonstrated compassion but also connected the children with the environment and living beings around them. This initiative reflects the spirit of Green Class, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and social responsibility. By taking part in such meaningful activities, our students are encouraged to develop empathy and awareness of their surroundings. We hope this project inspires ongoing efforts and fosters a lasting commitment to caring for the community and the environment. With continued dedication and consistency, we believe these small but impactful actions can create ripples of positive change—both within our school and beyond.

Celebrating Indonesian Culture on Output Day: The Beautiful Indonesia Group at Taruwara Primary School
Project Student 19 Jun 2024

Celebrating Indonesian Culture on Output Day: The Beautiful Indonesia Group at Taruwara Primary School

On a vibrant Output Day at Taruwara Primary School, the campus was buzzing with excitement as students and parents gathered to celebrate the culmination of weeks of hard work. This special day is an exhibition where our students showcase their projects, reflecting the diverse and immersive learning experiences they’ve engaged in throughout the term. This year, one of the standout groups was the Beautiful Indonesia Group, dedicated to celebrating and sharing the rich heritage of Indonesian traditional games. Under the enthusiastic guidance of Ms. Ima and assisted by Pak Alex, the Beautiful Indonesia Group embarked on a 13-week journey to explore, create, and present three traditional Indonesian games: “kite making”, “bakiak”, and “congklak”. These games were carefully chosen not just for their cultural significance but also for their educational value and the joy they bring to children. The process began with introducing the students to these games and gathering their feedback. This collaborative approach ensured that the students were not only participants but also contributors to the project’s direction. Kite Making Workshop: Engaging Parents and Students Alike One of the highlights of Output Day was the kite-making workshop, which was open to all guests, including parents from Taruwara and Rumah Kecil. Kite making was selected because it is a relatively simple and quick process that the students had mastered over the weeks. The workshop was a hands-on activity where participants could construct their own kites using basic materials such as bamboo sticks, paper, and string. The simplicity of the kite-making process allowed students to confidently lead and instruct, demonstrating their newly acquired skills and knowledge. This activity not only connected the students with a beloved childhood pastime but also provided an opportunity to apply principles from their Math and Social Studies classes, such as geometry in kite design and understanding the cultural significance of kites in Indonesian festivals. Exhibiting Bakiak and Congklak: Showcasing Creativity and Collaboration In addition to the kite-making workshop, the students showcased two other traditional games: bakiak and congklak. The preparation for these games involved a lot of creativity and teamwork. Bakiak, a traditional Indonesian game that involves teams walking in unison on wooden clogs, was enhanced with a suggestion from a student, Adrian, to cover the clogs with fabric for better comfort and visual appeal. This idea not only improved the design but also demonstrated how student input was valued and integrated into the project. For the congklak game, the students crafted boards using sustainable materials, reflecting the school’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. The preparation for this game took place in the weeks leading up to Output Day, allowing ample time for the students to refine their work and ensure that their creations were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. These exhibitions provided a platform for students to share their cultural heritage and the skills they developed, from crafting to strategic thinking involved in playing congklak. Conclusion: A Celebration of Culture and Learning Output Day at Taruwara Primary School was a resounding success, especially for the Beautiful Indonesia Group. Through their dedication to showcasing traditional games, the students not only deepened their understanding of Indonesian culture but also honed essential skills in collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. The kite-making workshop and the exhibits of bakiak and congklak were more than just displays; they were embodiments of the students’ hard work, passion, and the supportive learning environment at Taruwara. As we reflect on this day, we celebrate the rich tapestry of learning that connects our students to their heritage and to each other. Dante, Martina, and Charlie explained how we can play with the congklak Ms. Ima led the kite making workshop Our guests played congklak for the first time The eager faces in line can't wait to try our handmade bakiak

Launching Creativity: Our Journey with Coding Projects for the Output Day
Project Student 24 Apr 2024

Launching Creativity: Our Journey with Coding Projects for the Output Day

As a culmination of our coding class teachings, we're excited to extend the impact of our projects to a wider audience. And what better platform than Output Day? Our goal is to make strides in creativity and gather valuable feedback for future improvements leading up to the event. It's been a journey filled with learning and growth for all team members. Each had the opportunity to delve into the technical complexities of building not one, but two projects. We navigated through various coding languages and software, overcoming challenges with determination and perseverance. Our showcase features two thrilling projects: the "Rocket to The Moon Simulation" and the "Rollercoaster Simulation," each with its own unique characteristics. In the Rocket Simulation, guests are immersed in a story that makes them feel part of the journey. Meanwhile, the Rollercoaster Simulation promises to evoke the exhilaration and fear of riding a rollercoaster. Throughout the 13 weeks of preparation, we've experienced the joy of collaboration and creativity. With 80% of the projects developed by just four primary students, their ingenuity shines through every aspect. From brainstorming sessions to design iterations, witness how ideas transformed into immersive VR experiences. Guidance and final touches from our teachers, Pak Tude and Miss Giri, helped refine our creations. Central to our success is the students' involvement and commitment to teamwork. Samuel stepped up when needed, Kasy provided leadership, Charles offered valuable suggestions, and Haru's creativity fueled the projects. Ultimately, our aim is to ignite curiosity among our guests. For instance, the Rocket Simulation leaves them with unanswered questions, inviting them to ponder what's next: "Hello Human! Welcome to the Moon… to be continued." Kasy and Charles represent the Coding Group to present their project The queue in Coding & ICT Classroom, their base to showcase their two projects Everyone is very excited to try our two simulation projects with VR A sneak peek from our behind-the-scene of our two projects

The Journey of Fabulous Batik Group in Output Day at Taruwara Primary
Project Student 03 Apr 2024

The Journey of Fabulous Batik Group in Output Day at Taruwara Primary

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

The 2nd Output Day (22 February, 2024)
General News 19 Mar 2024

The 2nd Output Day (22 February, 2024)

After months of preparation, Output Day has finally arrived. This special event at Taruwara Primary School. Output Day is our school exhibition event that provides our students with the opportunity to showcase their learning experiences. Over the past three months, we have observed and assessed their interests and capacities, grouping them accordingly into five categories: Wonderful Batik, Beautiful Indonesia, Green & Science, Coding, and Craft Creation. Each group selected two to three students to present their projects on the main stage. However, in the case of Amazing Indonesia and Wonderful Batik booths, all students from these groups participated, with two students presenting at a time. The Fabulous Batik Group demonstrated the art of batik sketching under the guidance of our skilled students. Regardless of your prior experience in art, they were eager to assist with their warm smiles. They passionately shared the history of batik and showcased the intricate process of creating batik from scratch. The Amazing Indonesia Group captivated guests with their vibrant displays representing various aspects of Indonesian culture. From traditional games like kite flying and congklak to interactive demonstrations on how to craft these items, the group offered an immersive experience of Indonesia's rich heritage. Meanwhile, the Green & Science Class showcased environmentally friendly products crafted during the past three months. From organic fertilizers made from eggshells to scrubs and soap bars made from coffee grounds, they emphasized the importance of utilizing kitchen waste effectively. The Coding Group presented intriguing projects, including rocket and roller coaster simulators. Their innovative creations attracted a large crowd, offering guests an exciting journey through the realms of space and amusement parks. What most attract the crowd is Coding Group use Virtual Reality (VR) to gain guest's interaction and engagement. Lastly, the Craft Creation Group showcased a diverse range of projects, all crafted from cardboard. From solar panel illustrations to miniature houses and interactive games, the group demonstrated their creativity and ingenuity. We are immensely proud of our students' achievements, which underscore our commitment to project-based learning and leave a lasting impression on all who attended. Dante, our Grade-4 student take a spot as an MC Wonderful Batik Group is ready to guide you with their art sense Green and Science Group will explain how you can save the earth The "Amazing Indonesia Booth" received a lot of visitors who wanted to play The queue at the Coding Group to try our simulators Presentation from Craft Creation Group