Our First Graduating Class – A Milestone in Taruwara’s Journey

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.

More To Read

First Ever “Output Day” Event!
General News 10 Apr 2023

First Ever “Output Day” Event!

The other day we successfully completed our first attempt to hold an Output Day. Output Day, as the name suggests, is a day to output what students have been inputting. We have been preparing our presentations and bulletin boards for that day. The primary class students with their teacher prepare 3 booths. They are assigned to each booth with their teacher. There was a booth for science and thematic, English with art, and mathematics. The children in each booth are tasked with presenting their projects and things they have learned so far at Taruwara. The teachers are just as nervous as their students, some of them feeling very tense before the event starts. However, they manage to overcome their tension and nervousness to welcome all the parents and kindergarten children. Some of the students who were not very good at public speaking gained her confidence by seeing her teachers, mothers, and younger students who were trying their best. Her teammates were also motivated by her efforts.  After the three-hour event, the children and teachers were exhausted, but despite the short preparation period and the fact that it was their first experience, they were able to pull it off, which was a very valuable experience for all of us. During the reflection time, we were able to hear comments such as, "We can do this better next time! I want to do something like this!” and other positive things. We wondered if this was also the result of the daily circle time and reflection session. On that day, the kindergarten children also had an opportunity to do activities together with their parents, and everyone seemed very happy to see the children's responses and reactions, which they do not get to see every day. We were also very anxious about the parents' opinions after coming to observe the elementary school presentation, but we were very grateful for their warm and supportive attitude toward the children throughout the event, even if some of them could not speak well. Good job kids!! We are so proud of you all. Documentation: Our math class team ready for presentation about how to build a tent Our science class team ready for the presentation Warmest welcome from primary students to attending parents Primary school children showcase their cooking skills in front of the attending parents. They prepare the same menu, rice balls, just like they did during the previous project camp. During the experiments, the kindergarten children are particularly fascinated and interested in the activity Demonstration on setting up a tent from primary children with parents from kindergarten Parents and their kids Building a tent with math team Showcase their life skill that they got from their previous project Presentation from science team to mix-class parents and children The parents and kindergarten children are getting ready to make lemonade according to the instructions from the English class team. We are extremely grateful that the attending parents are very supportive of our elementary school children.

Holiday Camp Adventures at Taruwara: Where Fun Meets Learning
General News 29 Sep 2025

Holiday Camp Adventures at Taruwara: Where Fun Meets Learning

Every school break at Taruwara is an opportunity for children to learn, play, and grow in ways that go beyond the classroom. Through our Holiday Camp program, we design exciting activities that turn each holiday into a meaningful adventure. Whether it’s a short one-week program or a longer three-week camp during the semester break, children are immersed in engaging experiences that combine fun with valuable learning outcomes. Different Themes, New Adventures Every Break One of the things that makes Taruwara’s Holiday Camp special is that every camp has a different theme. This means children always have something new to look forward to. From creative projects to outdoor explorations, each theme sparks curiosity and imagination. The variety ensures that children not only enjoy themselves but also develop new skills and perspectives every time they join. Engaging Activities for Young Explorers Our camps are carefully designed to balance fun and education. Children get to enjoy: Cooking sessions that build independence and practical life skills. Art and craft projects that nurture creativity and self-expression. Science experiments that spark curiosity and critical thinking. Fun educational games that promote teamwork, problem-solving, and joy in learning, etc. Every activity is hands-on and interactive, ensuring that children stay engaged while discovering their strengths and interests. Taking Holiday Camp to the Next Level with Projects This past semester, we introduced something new: Project Camp. This innovation brought our holiday program to a whole new level. Instead of only doing activities within the school, we extended the learning experience into the wider community and environment. A meaningful beach clean-up activity, where children learned the importance of caring for nature while making a real difference. A memorable campfire at school, where students bonded, shared stories, and created lasting memories. Through these projects, children experienced the joy of learning by doing — gaining not only knowledge but also a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and connection to their surroundings. Why Holiday Camp Matters for Your Child Holiday Camp is more than just a way to fill school breaks — it is an extension of Taruwara’s philosophy of learning through experience. By joining our program, children benefit in many ways: Confidence building: Trying new activities and overcoming small challenges. Social growth: Making new friends, collaborating, and learning to communicate. Creativity and curiosity: Exploring new interests in science, art, and nature. Life skills: Practical lessons such as cooking, teamwork, and environmental care. Looking Ahead: The Next Holiday Camp As the upcoming term break approaches, we are excited to open registration for another round of Taruwara Holiday Camp. Each program is thoughtfully planned to ensure children spend their holidays in the most enriching way possible. Whether your child enjoys hands-on projects, outdoor adventures, or creative expression, there will be something special waiting for them at camp. Join the Adventure! ✨ Ready to make your child’s holiday meaningful and unforgettable? Spaces for Holiday Camp are limited, and spots fill quickly. Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child a holiday filled with fun, learning, and memories that last a lifetime. 👉 Contact us today to learn more and secure your child’s place at Taruwara Holiday Camp.

Output Day Event 2025 “Celebrating Knowledge Everywhere!”
General News 26 Mar 2025

Output Day Event 2025 “Celebrating Knowledge Everywhere!”

"Everywhere—knowledge is everywhere!" On Friday, 28 February 2025, the campuses of Taruwara and Rumah Kecil were buzzing with excitement as students, parents, and teachers gathered for the much-anticipated Output Day Event 2025. This year, the event was themed “Knowledge is Everywhere”, reinforcing the idea that learning is not limited to classrooms but can be found anywhere and shared with anyone. More than just a student project showcase, Output Day aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):📚 SDG 4 - Quality Education: Promoting accessible and engaging learning experiences🏙️ SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities & Communities: Encouraging sustainable practices and social responsibility. A Day of Discovery, Engagement, and Growth From the moment families stepped in, curiosity and excitement filled the air. Parents actively engaged with their children’s projects, discovering how their young learners had transformed knowledge into real-world applications. One of the most standout moments of the event was watching students bravely take the stage—after weeks of preparation—to present their projects. Despite initial nerves, their confidence and public speaking skills had improved tremendously. And the fun fact of the day? The event’s MC was none other than Charles, a Primary student, who confidently led the program like a pro! 👏 Exploring Knowledge Through Interactive Booths The event featured a variety of interactive booths where Primary students showcased their projects, allowing younger students and parents to explore different fields of knowledge: 🔵 Turtle Habitat, Eco-Brick & Plastic Breakdown Challenge – Raising awareness about marine conservation and sustainability 🌊 Coral Reef Map – Exploring underwater ecosystems🎨 Comic, Light Paper Art & Poster Booth – A creative blend of storytelling and visual art 📊 Data Graph & Perimeter Puzzle – Making math fun and interactive 💻 VR, AR & Games – Bringing technology to life through immersive digital experiences Meanwhile, the Preschool students stole the show with their hands-on recycling projects, proving that even the youngest learners can make an impact: ♻️ Tissue Decoupage Art – Transforming simple materials into beautiful crafts🐠 DIY Fish Tank – Upcycling PET gallons into creative mini aquariums🍕 Pizza-Making with Parents – A fun-filled culinary activity strengthening family bonds A True Community Effort This year’s Output Day Event was more than just an exhibition—it was a celebration of learning, collaboration, and sustainability. From student-led projects to parental involvement, the event demonstrated that knowledge is indeed everywhere, waiting to be explored, shared, and applied to make a difference. One parent summed it up perfectly:"It was amazing to see all the projects from the kids. You could really feel the effort and creativity they put into them!" With another successful event in the books, we look forward to seeing even bigger and more exciting projects next year! 🚀 👉 What was your favorite part of Output Day Event 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below!