The 2nd Output Day (22 February, 2024)

Children love animals, and for good reason having pets at school has been dreamed of by our students. Our "pet project" started with creating an egg incubator, so that we can hatch our own chick. But unfortunately, it failed after three trials. Haven't given up yet, we discussed and decided to continue the project by adopting another pet. It wasn't an easy decision to decide which pet we would like to adopt. Finally, we agreed to adopt a guinea pig and our guinea pig project began. To support our project, we need to prepare everything thoroughly. We learnt many theories about guinea pigs in each class. In science, we learnt that guinea pigs are rodent animals. We got to know their natural predators and foods. It helps us to take care of them. Inviting guinea pig owners is also on our list. We would like the experts to share their real experiences in order to take care of guinea pigs. We also got a chance to ask some questions regarding guinea pigs. As mentioned before, we learnt many things in order to support our project. We learnt measurement in math so that we can design and create the best guinea pig cage. In order to take care of our guinea pig, we set up a duty schedule and took turns giving food and cleaning the cage. A mind map helps to visually organize all the records of ideas about a project. It also helps us to track back all information or steps to enhance creative problem-solving skills. In order to conduct our guinea pig project, the students record every piece of information they have learnt on mind mapping. They also add more information they wish to enrich. It also shows the steps and goals of their project. Documentation: Q&A with guinea pig expert. All kids were very passionate to know more about guinea pig before they can adopt them They were learning about guinea pig and how to take care of them The first time they met a guinea pig. Guinea loves carrot and vegetables Workshop about guinea pig Primary children loves to spent their free time with our Guinea pigs Lovely Sugar & Oreo Snowy Daily duty to feed guinea pigs Student on duty to take care of guinea pig The first time they met a guinea pig. Mind Map for Guinea Pig Project Team work with school staff to bring their design ideas to life We made the cage from bamboo Guinea Pigs Cage Maker The process of making a guinea pig cage

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

"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.