Dear Parents/ Caregivers,
Well, we have reached the end of another momentous school year here at Sekolah Nusa Alam and what a year it has been! Across the months, we have seen our students grow not only academically, but in confidence, character, and connection to one another. From strong performances in Cambridge assessments, to vibrant cultural celebrations such as Independence Day, Nyepi, Kartini Day, and Ramadhan, the life of the school has been rich and varied. Our many varied events, such as Sports Day, Growing a Greener School, World Football Day, among others, have brought energy and purpose to campus, while Kindness Week and the Buddy program extended learning and relationships beyond the classroom and across year levels to enhance our school culture of caring and togetherness.
Alongside all that, school wide events such as Literacy Week, Maths Week and STEM days have reinforced the academic focus that sits at the heart of our school: striving toward academic excellence, while our Artist in Residence program with Pak Karyana brought a different kind of learning into focus – creative, reflective, and deeply engaging. Moreover, the Recognition Awards have helped to bring our learner attributes to life, celebrating students who embody confidence, responsibility, innovation, reflection, and engagement. Together, these experiences have strengthened and enlivened a school culture that is increasingly visible in the way our students learn, interact, and support one another each day.
We were also extremely proud to receive an A grade in our government accreditation across Primary, Secondary, and Advanced levels – a strong affirmation of the quality and consistency of teaching and learning across the school. This coming school year we aim to achieve the same accolade as we undergo the accreditation process for our Early Years program.
I wish to extend a huge thank you to all the students, teachers, support staff, and parents who have all contributed to making Sekolah Nusa Alam such an inspiring school where we can all learn and grow while sharing many happy moments together.
In an explosion of colours, textures and creativity, last week’s whole-school art exhibition brought our campus to life. Showcasing work from students across every year level, from EY1 through to Year 12, the Colours of Culture exhibition celebrated both artistic skill and a deep engagement with Lombok’s rich cultural heritage.
The opening assembly was attended by teachers, students, and parents. It began with an elegant, traditional dance from our guest, Ibu Ayu, and was followed by talks from Jasmine (Y4), and then Sophie and Ajeng Y(Y8), who walked the audience through their artistic decisions in creating their respective artworks. Their talks were informative and delivered with confidence. We then all moved to the front of the school to conclude the opening assembly with the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon. The excitement was palpable and everyone was eager to see how the lobby and 2nd floor had been transformed. They were not disappointed!
The range of work on display was simply amazing! From intricate foil sculptures and detailed pencil sketches to incredibly vibrant paintings that encompassed a variety of styles (from photo-realistic individual artworks to the Early Years Jackson Pollock-esque group creation – one of my favourites!), alongside tremendously intricate dioramas (including the giant papier-mâché beach and sea representations), the delightful puppet theatres, and the charmingly delicate Pantones, each piece reflected a unique perspective fashioned by our imaginative young artists. There was a clear sense that our students had not only developed technical skills, but had also thought carefully about how to represent the culture and environment around them.
On the opening day we added another dimension – live bamboo weaving and pottery workshops, allowing students and visitors to engage directly with traditional crafts. These moments brought the exhibition beyond display and into lived experience, connecting students to the processes and practices behind the art.
What stood out most in the entire exhibition – apart from the stunning spectacle of it all – was the individuality within the collective. Each artwork carried the mark of its creator, yet together they told a broader story – one of time, place, identity, and creative exploration. I have always believed that art is not an optional extra in education, but a vital part of human expression and growth. Art allows people to observe closely, think deeply, and communicate in ways that words alone cannot always achieve.
It was a truly vibrant and deeply rewarding exhibition, and a strong reflection of the creative spirit across our school.
I wish to thank the planning team first and foremost: Ibu Ega, Ibu Rindu, and Ibu Susan. Additionally, I wish to thank all teachers and staff who helped to move, place, and arrange all the artworks the week before. Lastly, all our students deserve the adulation and praise for their astonishing creativity and effort. I hope you the families enjoyed it as much as we did!
On 6th June, we gathered at Santika Hotel to celebrate the achievements of our students in Early Years 3, Year 6, Year 9, and Year 12, who all graduated to the next level or as their final act as students of Sekolah Nusa Alam.
It was a warm and uplifting occasion, bringing together families, teachers, and students to mark these important milestones. Each group represented a different stage of the school journey, from those taking their very first steps in formal education, to those preparing to move on to new pathways beyond our school.
The ceremony was filled with moments of pride, reflection, and quiet celebration culminating in the beautiful performance from Asha. Students carried themselves with confidence, supported by the encouragement of their teachers and the unwavering presence of their families. Video journeys captured some of the moments that have shaped these students’ lives – the friendships, the silliness, and the moments of joy. The graduation represents a strong sense of continuity – of one journey ending and another beginning – and of the relationships and experiences that have shaped each student along the way.
Graduation offers us a chance to pause, recognise growth, and look ahead with a sense of purpose. We are proud of all our students and wish them every success as they take their next steps forward.
I wish to thank the graduation committee for their hard work in preparing and delivering a memorable event.
This week, our Primary students took to the stage for the Storytelling Competition, an event that brought together creativity, confidence, and a love of language. With stories ranging across themes and styles, each participant stepped forward to share something of their imagination, voice, and personality.
Our intrepid storytellers, Finley, Casha, Jasmine, Jazzy, Java, Hope, Michael, and Amaia, all rose to the occasion, delivering their stories with confidence and expression. Whether drawing on humour, suspense, or thoughtful storytelling, each student demonstrated a willingness to take a risk and perform in front of an audience – no easy thing. In doing so, they embodied many of our learner attributes: confidence in presenting, engagement with their audience, and reflection in how they shaped and delivered their stories.
Storytelling holds a special place in learning. It allows children to organise their thoughts, explore ideas, and communicate meaning in ways that go beyond the written word. It is through stories that we connect, understand different perspectives, and make sense of the world around us.
Our thanks go to Jaya, who, with his co-host Ibu Manda, stepped into the role of MC with confidence and composure, showing impressive presenting skills. Thank you also to Pak Neal for his organisation of the event. It was a wonderful celebration of student voice and expression, and one we look forward to building on in the future.
Threads of Nusantara
On Friday, we came together to mark the end of the school year through our final assembly – Threads of Nusantara. It was a vibrant and thoughtfully curated event, weaving together performances from across the school that reflected the rich cultural tapestry of Indonesia.
From our youngest learners to our senior students, each act brought something distinct to the stage. There were moments of grace in traditional dance, energy in contemporary movement, and joy in song and musical performance. The Year 10 band set the tone with confidence, while the musical drama from Year 7 and the varied performances from Primary year levels showed both creativity and growing stage presence. Particularly striking were the traditional elements woven throughout – from Tari Kecak to Peresean-inspired performances – reminding us of the depth and diversity of the cultures we are so fortunate to learn from.
The inclusion of drama, dance, music, and even elements of fashion and storytelling gave the assembly a dynamic rhythm, with each performance adding its own thread to the larger whole. What stood out was not just the quality of the performances, but the sense of pride and ownership our students showed as they took to the stage.
Events like this do much more than entertain. They bring learning to life. They allow students to express identity, build confidence, and connect with local culture in meaningful ways. Threads of Nusantara was a fitting conclusion to our year – a celebration not only of performance, but of the shared experiences and collective spirit that define our school community.
Thank you to Ibu Liberti and Ibu Farika, as the PICs of this event, and Ibu Adel and Pak Awad for the guidance and training provided to the students. Thank you to our wonderful MCs, Java and Nero from Y5, who showed delivered a long script confidently. Thank you also to Pak Adi and Pak Adit for providing logistical support. Additionally, thank you to our hardworking support staff who help to make all these wonderful events happen.
And last but not least, thank you to all the families who came to watch, clap, cheer, smile, laugh, and rejoice in the magnificent performance of all our students. This is what the Nusa Alam community is all about!
I am proud to announce that one of our Year 8 students, Nayra Ayu Felicia, recently won 1st place in English in the Topaz competition, winning a shiny gold medal! This is a tremendous achievement and reflects well on the hard work, attitude and composure of Nayra. Hats off to you!
If you go into the Secondary English room today, you will find a beautifully crafted mural years in the making. A number of students have contributed to this artwork over the years, bringing the words on the page to life on the wall.
It is a piece that reflects not just creativity, but continuity – a shared canvas where different cohorts have left their mark, each adding something of themselves to a growing whole. Characters, themes, and ideas from this novel are woven together, creating a space that feels both thoughtful and alive.
More than decoration, it stands as a quiet reminder that learning leaves traces. That what is read, discussed, and imagined in the classroom does not simply disappear, but can take shape in lasting and meaningful ways. As Lewis Carroll writes in Through the Looking-Glass, “It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then” – a fitting reflection on growth, change, and the enduring imprint of learning.
Earlier this week it was announced that a number of current teachers would be moving on at the end of this school year. I wish to thank them for their service to the school and wish them all the best in their future journeys.
I would like to also welcome the new teachers joining us in July and share with you their wonderful introductions.
While you are sitting by the pool with your feet up this holiday, you might wish to read through the latest blogs that are now available on the school website. These were written by Pak Jason and Ibu Susan respectively.
While Pak Jason explores a different perspective toward student growth, one rooted in the Hero’s Journey, Ibu Susan reflects on her time here in Lombok with Sekolah Nusa Alam. Each blog is a worthy read and attests to the thoughtfulness in our community. I think you will enjoy reading both pieces; I certainly did!
You can find them under the SNA website tab, School Life > News
And that’s that! Phew, I need a rest 🙂
Before I sign off and head to the UK for a few weeks, I would like to kindly remind all families that the new school year begins on Monday 20th July at 8.30am. I shall see you then for a bright and breezy start to the new academic year!
Enjoy your holiday.
Pak Yusaf
