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

On June 11th, Taruwara Elementary School celebrated a truly unforgettable milestone—our very first graduation ceremony. This graduating class holds a special place in our hearts. They have been with us since the very beginning, when Taruwara first opened its doors during the uncertainty of the pandemic. Together, we experienced challenges, celebrated small victories, and built something meaningful from the ground up. As we developed the vision, curriculum, and culture of our school, these students were never simply learners—they were our partners in the journey. Through their curiosity, resilience, kindness, and honesty, they taught us just as much as we taught them. Every success, every challenge, and every moment of growth helped shape the school that Taruwara is today. At Taruwara, we have always believed that education is about far more than academic achievement. Our mission is to nurture children who can think critically, care deeply for others, and contribute positively to the world around them. Watching these students grow into confident, compassionate, and responsible young people has been one of our greatest joys. Because they were our very first students, this journey was also a learning experience for our teachers. There were many moments that challenged us. To be honest, these children were not always easy to guide, and there were times when we struggled together. Yet our teachers never gave up on them. Instead, they continued to believe in each child, patiently supporting them with warmth, understanding, and unwavering dedication until the very end. That is why graduation day was filled with mixed emotions. We celebrated how far they had come, while at the same time feeling the sadness of saying goodbye. By the end of the ceremony, there was hardly a dry eye among our staff. It was a powerful reminder that education is built on relationships, trust, and walking alongside children through every step of their journey. Our original dream was to continue this journey with them by opening Taruwara Secondary School in time for their next chapter. Unfortunately, we were not able to make that dream a reality. Even so, we know they are ready to spread their wings. Wherever life takes them and whichever secondary school they attend, we hope they will continue to grow into thoughtful, resilient, and compassionate young people who never stop learning, questioning, and making a positive difference in the world. To our first graduating class, thank you. Thank you for trusting us, growing with us, and helping shape Taruwara into the school it is today. You will always be the foundation of our story, and we hope Taruwara will always remain a part of yours. Congratulations on your graduation. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you, and we cannot wait to see the wonderful future that lies ahead. A Class Full of Firsts Being our first class also meant they were the first to try almost everything at Taruwara, and some of those experiences have become the stories we tell again and again. There was the egg incubator project, where they watched over their eggs day after day, hoping to see them hatch. There was also their very first camping trip, back in third grade, when the rainy season rolled in and they had to cheer themselves up without the bonfire they had been dreaming of. Just before graduation, our sixth graders went camping once more—and this time, everything fell into place. With the weather finally on their side, they pitched their own tents right in the schoolyard and put their life skills to work, cooking dinner together with their teachers. As night fell, they gathered around a real bonfire at last — the one their third-grade selves never got to enjoy.

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

"Life Skills Classes at Taruwara Primary are not about chores—they are about growth. They prepare children to face real-life situations with resilience, creativity, and confidence." At Taruwara Primary, we believe education should prepare children not only for academic success but also for everyday life. That’s why we introduced Life Skills Classes for our upper primary students—a special program where children learn practical, hands-on lessons that will help them grow into responsible, independent, and confident individuals. Many parents may remember the first time they washed a car, ironed their clothes, or managed their own shopping. These seemingly simple experiences actually stay with us, teaching discipline, care, and responsibility. Through Life Skills, we want our students to have the same opportunities, guided carefully in a supportive and fun learning environment. Ironing Clothes with Confidence Ironing is often considered an adult responsibility, but our students are excited to give it a try. With guidance from teachers, they learn how to handle the iron safely, smooth out wrinkles, and take their time to do the job well. The sense of satisfaction on their faces when they see neatly pressed clothes is priceless. Beyond the technical skill, ironing teaches patience, precision, and the importance of presentation. Washing Vehicles with Care Another day, the students head outside to wash vehicles. Buckets, sponges, and soap turn into tools of teamwork. Children quickly learn that washing a vehicle is more than just splashing water—it requires attention to detail and patience. This activity also sparks conversations about taking care of belongings and the effort that goes into maintaining things we use every day. It’s a fun, physical task that leaves students smiling at their shiny finished work. Shopping at the Bookstore Life Skills aren’t limited to chores at home or school. Our students also experience the real-world practice of shopping, such as visiting a bookstore with a budget in hand. For many, this is the first time they’ve had to make choices on what to buy while considering both needs and wants. They learn how to interact politely with shopkeepers, calculate costs, and make responsible decisions. The joy of leaving the store with a book they’ve chosen themselves is a bonus that strengthens both confidence and independence. Learning to Clean the Sink and Kitchen One of the first lessons takes place in the kitchen, where students practice cleaning the sink and keeping the area tidy. At first, some students giggle as they put on gloves and get ready to scrub, but soon they realize it’s not just about cleaning. It’s about taking pride in maintaining a space where everyone can work and feel comfortable. By learning this, children develop habits of hygiene, orderliness, and respect for shared environments. The Bigger Picture: Why Life Skills Matter Through these experiences, we want our students to realize that life is full of small responsibilities that matter. Cleaning, washing, ironing, and shopping might look simple, but they are stepping stones toward independence. More importantly, these activities teach values: caring for shared spaces, respecting belongings, managing money wisely, and feeling proud of a job well done. Life Skills Classes at Taruwara Primary are not about chores—they are about growth. They prepare children to face real-life situations with resilience, creativity, and confidence. Our hope is that, through these lessons, students not only gain practical knowledge but also carry with them the deeper understanding that independence and responsibility are keys to shaping a meaningful life. A Shared Journey with Parents We believe these lessons become even more powerful when reinforced at home. Parents can encourage their children to practice simple daily tasks, celebrate their efforts, and give them opportunities to take on small responsibilities. Together, school and family can nurture children who are not only academically capable, but also independent, caring, and ready for the future.