Hibiscus Room
Our Hibiscus Room is home for up to 22 pre-schoolers each day, aged 4 to 5 years.
Through our education program and practices we support children to develop life skills, become more independent, solve problems with their friends, and learn to have respect for themselves and each other. We provide a nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment for children to be creative in their own way and explore new spaces and resources.
Our educators ensure children feel safe, happy and nurtured. They get love and care as they find ways to connect with their inner self. Each day, they become more confident and grow into young independent people.
Part-time bookings are available to complement government or private preschool attendance (including alternate Wednesdays) and before and after school care for Mount Rogers Primary School (Spence site).
Our Acknowledgement of Country
We, in the Hibiscus Room would like to say thank you to the Ngunnawal people for letting us share your land on which we learn and grow.
"Here is the land, here is the sky. Here are my friends, and here am I. We would like to acknowledge and thank the Ngunnawal People. The the people of the land in which we play and learn."
+ Our Educators
JESSICA TURNER
Assistant Centre Director, Team Leader, Early Childhood Teacher
Jess is qualified with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5 Years) from the University of Canberra. She has been in the profession since 2015 with various leadership roles in other centres before joining Baringa in 2020. Jess represents Baringa at ACT-wide forums, sector consultations and careers events; as well as at the national conference for Early Childhood Australia. She is dedicated to uplifting best practice at Baringa and showcasing our work with others in the early childhood education profession.
RACHAEL VAN DER STERREN
Assistant Team Leader
Rachael is qualified with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Rachael joined Baringa in 2020, starting as a School Based Apprentice, before completing her Certificate III in early Childhood Education and Care in 2022, then completing Diploma qualifications in 2025. She has been part of the Leadership Team as an Assistant Team Leader since 2024, and is experienced at mentoring the team and supporting families, including regularly as Acting Team Leader for the Hibiscus Room to support Baringa’s Management Team.
ASHLEIGH MURUKA
Early Childhood Teacher
Ashleigh is qualified with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5 Years). Ashleigh has been in the early childhood sector since 2010 and joined Baringa in 2023. Ashleigh’s own children attended Baringa, she led Baringa’s contributions to the ACT’s Preschool Outcomes Measure Program and is currently managing the development of our outdoor education programming.
AYEISHA OORLOFF
Educator
Ayeisha is studying her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, and is qualified with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. She joined Baringa as an educator in early 2024 after a career change as a qualified chef at Canberra’s prestigious restaurants! She is part of Baringa’s Reconciliation Action Working Group and recently returned from maternity leave with her own son attending Baringa.
LALAHAIA DAVEY
Educator
Lala has been working in the early childhood education sector since 2021. Lala joined Baringa in 2023 firstly as a casual educator before joining the Hibiscus Team as a permanent educator. She is currently completing her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at CIT.
PAIGE MCALLUM
Educator
Paige is studying towards her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at CIT. She joined the Baringa team in 2022, studied through Baringa's Early Learning Connection program and has worked in several rooms across Baringa.
+ Room Information
We encourage you to take this opportunity to familiarise yourself with our Centre Policies including our Exclusion Policy and Fees Policy and Food Menu. For new families, and those whose children are transitioning to a new room, we ask you to kindly fill in the following forms and return to your educator or the Baringa Office:
~ All About Me
~ Local Area Permission Form
Collection authorisations (if required):
~ One-off collection form
~ On-going collection via My Family Lounge (desktop not mobile)
Login and click QK enrol and first ensure the person you wish to authorise is listed as a contact. Once listed, click “edit” next to your child’s name, then under "authorisations” select and save the collection authorisation for the relevant contact.
+ Items to Bring
- Labelled water bottle. o Please make sure this only contains water.
- Labelled spare clothes in their bag. o Because sometimes fun can be messy!
- A labelled wide brimmed hat. o We sell Baringa hats in the office.
- Special sunscreen if needed. o We do provide sunscreen, however if you child requires a specific type, please provide this, ensuring it is labelled.
- Please ensure your child wears sensible shoes. Please no thongs.
- Please ensure all shirts completely cover your child’s shoulder to align with sun safe practices.
- During the cooler weather please ensure you provide children with a warm outdoor jacket, and a beanie.
- Please label all items – multiple children often wear the same shoes and clothes. Please label everything to ensure all items go home with you.
- Please do not bring any other items from home, including food and toys.
