"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.

"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!

At our school, we believe that healthy meals are the foundation of a thriving learning environment. That’s why we’re mindful about every ingredient we use in our school meals, ensuring that they are nutritious, organic, and sustainably sourced. One of the staples in our daily meals is a blend of organic red rice and white rice, carefully selected to provide both health benefits and a texture that kids enjoy. But what makes our rice special? It’s not just about the nutrition—it’s also about how it’s grown. We source our rice from local farmers who practice eco-friendly farming methods, including the use of eco-enzyme fertilizers. This not only produces high-quality, chemical-free rice but also supports sustainable agriculture. Why We Choose Organic Red Rice Red rice is a powerhouse of nutrition. Unlike white rice, it retains its bran layer, which is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Here’s why we include red rice in our school meals: High in fiber – Helps with digestion and keeps kids fuller for longer. Rich in antioxidants – Protects the body from harmful free radicals. Supports heart health – Contains natural compounds that help regulate cholesterol levels. Helps in energy production – Packed with B vitamins that aid in metabolism. Balancing Nutrition and Taste While red rice is highly nutritious, its texture can be firmer than what kids are used to. To make it more palatable, we blend red rice with organic white rice. This combination maintains the nutritional benefits of red rice while ensuring a softer, fluffier texture that children enjoy. Eco-Enzyme Fertilizers: A Sustainable Choice The farmers who supply our white rice use eco-enzyme fertilizers, a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. Eco-enzymes are made from fermented fruit and vegetable scraps, creating a nutrient-rich solution that: Improves soil quality Enhances plant growth naturally Reduces chemical waste in farming Supports biodiversity and eco-friendly agriculture By supporting farmers who use eco-enzyme fertilizers, we are not only ensuring that our students eat the best quality rice but also promoting a more sustainable future for agriculture. As we continue to make mindful food choices, we invite parents and the community to explore red rice at home, too! Try mixing it with white rice, just like we do at school, to create a balanced and nutritious meal. Together, we can nurture a generation that values both their health and the planet—one mindful meal at a time.

At Taruwara Primary, our Green Class focuses on sustainability and environmental awareness, aligned with our school’s holistic approach to nurturing responsible global citizens. Recently, the students took on a heartwarming community service project, extending their learning beyond the classroom to make a meaningful difference in their local surroundings. The project aimed to care for the street dogs in the neighborhood surrounding our school. Together, the students created water filters using recycled gallon bottles, an innovative way to ensure clean water for the animals. They also prepared dog food, learning about proper nutrition for animals. Armed with their supplies and a lot of enthusiasm, the children ventured out to meet the street dogs along the school streets, offering them food and fresh water. This hands-on activity not only demonstrated compassion but also connected the children with the environment and living beings around them. This initiative reflects the spirit of Green Class, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and social responsibility. By taking part in such meaningful activities, our students are encouraged to develop empathy and awareness of their surroundings. We hope this project inspires ongoing efforts and fosters a lasting commitment to caring for the community and the environment. With continued dedication and consistency, we believe these small but impactful actions can create ripples of positive change—both within our school and beyond.

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

As a culmination of our coding class teachings, we're excited to extend the impact of our projects to a wider audience. And what better platform than Output Day? Our goal is to make strides in creativity and gather valuable feedback for future improvements leading up to the event. It's been a journey filled with learning and growth for all team members. Each had the opportunity to delve into the technical complexities of building not one, but two projects. We navigated through various coding languages and software, overcoming challenges with determination and perseverance. Our showcase features two thrilling projects: the "Rocket to The Moon Simulation" and the "Rollercoaster Simulation," each with its own unique characteristics. In the Rocket Simulation, guests are immersed in a story that makes them feel part of the journey. Meanwhile, the Rollercoaster Simulation promises to evoke the exhilaration and fear of riding a rollercoaster. Throughout the 13 weeks of preparation, we've experienced the joy of collaboration and creativity. With 80% of the projects developed by just four primary students, their ingenuity shines through every aspect. From brainstorming sessions to design iterations, witness how ideas transformed into immersive VR experiences. Guidance and final touches from our teachers, Pak Tude and Miss Giri, helped refine our creations. Central to our success is the students' involvement and commitment to teamwork. Samuel stepped up when needed, Kasy provided leadership, Charles offered valuable suggestions, and Haru's creativity fueled the projects. Ultimately, our aim is to ignite curiosity among our guests. For instance, the Rocket Simulation leaves them with unanswered questions, inviting them to ponder what's next: "Hello Human! Welcome to the Moon… to be continued." Kasy and Charles represent the Coding Group to present their project The queue in Coding & ICT Classroom, their base to showcase their two projects Everyone is very excited to try our two simulation projects with VR A sneak peek from our behind-the-scene of our two projects