A joyful tribute to learning, independence, and the SES values nurtured through Montessori education

As the academic year came to a close, the Montessori students of Surabaya European School (SES) took to the stage with grace and confidence, marking the end of their learning journey with an uplifting celebration. The spacious white hall, filled with natural light and curious anticipation, was transformed into a place of reflection, expression, and celebration—true to the spirit of Montessori and SES values.

This special event was more than just a performance. It was a moment for the children to demonstrate what they had gained throughout the year—not merely in knowledge, but in character. Clad in various shades of green, a symbol of growth and renewal, the children stood proudly in their places, each one representing a unique learning path guided by independence and curiosity. From their posture to their focus, one could see the fruits of months spent in a nurturing environment where learning is child-led, purposeful, and deeply respectful of the individual.

At SES, Montessori education is closely intertwined with the school’s core values. Respect is visible in the way children interact with one another and their environment—moving with care, speaking with kindness, and listening with intent. Responsibility is fostered through everyday routines that allow children to manage their own learning materials, make choices, and care for shared spaces. The celebration served as a living display of perseverance—as students remembered steps, maintained their positions, and completed their group performance with quiet confidence.

Parents and teachers watched with pride as each child contributed to the event, not as performers in search of perfection, but as active members of a community grounded in integrity. These children were not trained to impress, but encouraged to express. That difference made the celebration not just beautiful—but meaningful.

The event also reflected a strong sense of compassion, as children supported one another on stage, smiled reassuringly, and applauded together. This sense of unity mirrors the kind of classroom they experience every day—where peer learning, mutual respect, and kindness are valued as highly as literacy and numeracy.

Finally, the celebration was a reminder of how deeply curiosity fuels the Montessori experience. From engaging with activities to exploring their own interests, these children have developed the kind of self-motivated mindset that will serve them well beyond early childhood.

As the ceremony came to an end, what lingered wasn’t just applause, but a shared sense of gratitude—for a school that honours the child, for educators who believe in potential over perfection, and for a community that uplifts every small step forward.

At Surabaya European School, we don’t simply mark the end of the year—we celebrate the beginning of who our children are becoming