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.

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.

On Friday, 24 October 2025, the school ground of Rumah Kecil and Taruwara filled with laughter, color, and community spirit as we celebrated two special milestones: Rumah Kecil’s 11th anniversary and Taruwara’s 5th anniversary. With the theme “Growing in Harmony, Thriving in Connection,” the event beautifully reflected how our families, children, and team grow stronger together each year. A Market Filled With Creativity, Collaboration, and Heart This year’s anniversary celebration took the form of a vibrant bazaar-style event that brought together students, teachers, and families. The enthusiasm from parents greatly exceeded our expectations—more than 150 tickets were sold, even though preparation time was short. Their support created an energetic, joyful atmosphere throughout the day. Games Booth Face Painting Pooth MC by Miss Widy & Ms Dwi The school ground was filled with booths from both Rumah Kecil and Taruwara communities. Parents contributed beautifully curated stalls, while our school kitchen booth served homemade food that sold out quickly. Our kindergarten students also proudly presented their Little Garden Café project, selling seeds, burritos, and handmade crafts from scrap paper. Taruwara Primary students showcased their learning through impressive project booths, including natural skincare, science booth, bird shelter booth, green projects, garden booth, arts exhibitions, school menu ideas, and more. Each booth reflected the children’s learning journey and their ability to apply knowledge creatively and responsibly. We also had a special collaboration booth with Smile Foundation, where our school donated as part of our anniversary contribution. This partnership added a meaningful social impact to our celebration, reminding everyone of the importance of giving back, and also became an opportunity to share kindness through donations. Little Garden Cafe's Team Burito's team teacher and student in action excited parents came to support their kids Performances That Warmed Every Heart The stage became a place of joy as children and teachers presented dance and singing performances that truly enlivened the day. There was a touching singing moment that moved the audience, as well as fun dance performances that brought energy and excitement into the crowd. Many parents were deeply proud watching their children confidently present their projects and creations. Taruwara teacher's performance. Beautiful performance from taruwara student. Teacher's acoutic performance school kitchen project run by kids and teacher selling cookie jar. Wonderful dance performance from Taruwara kids. Throughout the event, families enjoyed playing games, creating clay crafts, exploring booths, and savoring food that sold out within hours. The atmosphere felt warm and genuine—parents celebrating their children, children laughing with friends and enjoying the event, and teachers proudly supporting every little moment. Gratitude to Our Sponsors We extend our warmest thanks to our generous sponsors who supported our door prize giveaways: Septy Bakes, Alam Zempol, Hakata Bali, Tabikobo Travel, Salon Pure, Bali Neem, Goddess Bakery, Salon Jegeg Bali, Puamana Sanur, La Lina Café, Hikaria by Timedoor, Bali Babe, Hutan Hujan, Bali Deli, Bukit Sausage, Bloodnbone.com, and Siki Bali. Their contributions helped make the event even more exciting and memorable. Growing Together as a Community This anniversary celebration reminded us that connection, collaboration, and shared joy are what make our school community strong. As we continue to grow together, we remain grateful for the trust, support, and togetherness that shape our journey—today and in the years to come. As we reflect on this joyful anniversary event, we are reminded that every shared moment—whether preparing a booth, cheering during a performance, or supporting a child’s small act of courage—strengthens the bond within our school community. Events like this are more than celebrations; they are opportunities for families, teachers, and children to connect in meaningful ways. The laughter, creativity, and collective effort displayed throughout the day showed how powerful community support can be in shaping a positive learning environment. Moving forward, we hope to continue creating spaces where children feel encouraged to explore, families feel welcomed, and everyone feels they are part of something growing and meaningful.

Sometimes, all it takes is one good book to start a new habit. 📚✨ At Taruwara, we believe that reading and writing are more than just academic skills — they are the foundation for lifelong learning. From an early age, we encourage our students to see reading not as a task, but as an adventure that opens their imagination, strengthens their focus, and builds empathy through stories. For young learners, developing these skills early helps them express their thoughts more clearly, understand others’ perspectives, and grow confident in communicating their ideas. That’s why we continuously create meaningful opportunities for children to read, write, and reflect in ways that feel enjoyable and personal. 🌱 This semester, our Primary 3–4 students began a small reading challenge, to finish 40 books in one month. What started as a simple goal soon became an exciting surprise: together, they reached 50 books! 📖✨ Every morning, students spend time reading books of their choice. Afterward, they write short reflections or reviews to share their thoughts, feelings, and favorite parts of the stories. This routine helps them slow down, think deeply, and express themselves in writing, turning reading into a joyful habit rather than a duty. Teachers observed how this activity not only improved students’ reading comprehension and writing fluency but also changed their attitude toward learning. Many children now pick up books on their own, curious about new stories and eager to talk about what they’ve read. “At first, we simply wanted to help students improve their literacy skills,” one teacher shared. “But what touched us most was seeing how reading became something they truly look forward to. They now talk about books with excitement — and that’s when we know the love for learning has begun.” 💚 Through consistent practice, students are building self-discipline, critical thinking, and a genuine love for learning, values we hope they’ll carry far beyond the classroom. 💚 At Taruwara, our goal is to help every child grow into a confident, curious, and thoughtful learner. Because when children discover the joy of reading and writing, they don’t just learn, they transform. 🌿 How do you encourage reading time at home?We’d love to hear your ideas and experiences! Share your tips in the comments below 👇

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.

"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.