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.

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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.

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

Summer Camp Taruwara—Weeks of Endless Creativity and Unforgettable Moment
UncategorisedGeneral News • 20 Apr 2026

Summer Camp Taruwara—Weeks of Endless Creativity and Unforgettable Moment

Ask any child who has been to one of our holiday camps what they remember most, and you'll get a different answer every time. One will tell you about the moment their clay bowl actually held water. Another will describe the exact shade of orange they mixed themselves. Someone else will say it was the campfire — the songs, the smell of smoke, the stars. And a few might just say, "I made a really good friend." That variety is exactly the point. At Taruwara, our holiday camp runs every term break and semester break throughout the year, and no two camps are ever the same. Each one comes with a fresh theme, a new set of activities, and a whole lot of room for something unexpected and wonderful to happen. A little bit of everything—on purpose Our holiday camp is open to children from toddler age all the way through primary school, so when we plan each camp, we think carefully about what makes a week truly worthwhile for a child — not just fun in the moment, but something they carry with them. Every activity is designed to be engaging and hands-on, but there's always something quietly being learnt: patience, creativity, curiosity, confidence, the ability to try something new without being afraid to get it wrong. Over the years, we've covered a wide range of themes. Here's a little taste of what camp life at Taruwara can look like: Art & craft Painting, clay, collage, origami, and fashion design — getting creative with whatever materials the theme calls for. Science experiments Mixing, measuring, watching things bubble and change — science that feels more like magic than a lesson. Cooking class Little hands in the kitchen, learning to follow a recipe, and the joy of eating something you made yourself. Coding & tech For primary students, fun introductions to coding through games, puzzles, and creative digital challenges. Give back, get out! Getting out into the community, caring for the environment, and understanding why it matters. Active & outdoors Fun PE activities and games out in our school yard — exploring nature, moving together, and burning off some energy along the way. We also love tying camp activities to special days on the calendar. Camps that fall around Nyepi celebrated with an ogoh-ogoh parade and other activities that also explored the meaning of stillness and gratitude. Christmas camps fill up with festive crafts, giving, and a generous dose of silly fun. Every cultural moment is an opportunity for children to learn something about the world they live in. The yard, the friendships, the freedom One thing that makes camp at Taruwara a little different is the space itself. Our large outdoor yard becomes the heart of camp life — a place where children run, play, breathe, and simply be kids. There's something about open space that loosens children up. Walls come down. A child who's shy in the classroom suddenly finds themselves in the middle of a game, laughing with someone they just met. And that happens a lot. Camp brings together children from different backgrounds, different ages, different everything — and somehow, within a day or two, they're inseparable. We've seen toddlers shadow older students like little shadows. We've seen primary kids take younger ones under their wing without being asked. Friendships form here that sometimes last well beyond the school year. "Every camp, the memorable moment is different. But there's always one. There's always a moment you didn't plan for that ends up being the best part of the week." March 2026: when the camp became an art gallery Our most recent camp, held on 23–27 March, was themed around art and craft, and it was every bit as colorful as it sounds. Students spent the week mixing paints, drawing the school landscape, hunting for natural materials, sculpting clay, folding origami, and on Thursday, designing and parading their own paper costumes in a full Fashion Show that had everyone cheering. By Friday afternoon, the school looked like a proper gallery. Every surface had something on it: clay pieces with careful painted details, nature collages, landscape paintings, origami figures. The children didn't want to leave — which is always a good sign. Whether it's a week of cooking, a day out in the community, an afternoon of outdoor games in our yard, or five days of paint and clay, what stays the same every single camp is the intention behind it. We want children to arrive curious and leave with something new: a skill, a memory, a friend, or simply the knowledge that trying new things is always worth it. Coming up next Summer Holiday Camp 2026 Starting on 23 June 2026 A new theme, new activities, and the same great energy. We'll be sharing more details soon — keep an on the school newsletter or ask at the front office. If your child has been asking about camp, this is the one not to miss.