Vol. 2 Issue 5 2021 BCC Institute Newsletter THE ISSUE

In This Issue:

Getting to Know: The 02

Interview with an Expert 05

Featured Course: BSB50420 Diploma 07 of Leadership and Management

Fast Cook, No Fuss: Zucchini Slice 08

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Getting to Know: The Philippines

By Aleeza Manamtam.

Aleeza Manamtam will study Early Childhood Education and Care at BCCI when Australian borders reopen. She has been patiently waiting in The Philippines and attending our English conversation class online since September last year. In this issue she tells us all about her home country, The Philippines.

The islands of the Philippines were discovered by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain, in the year 1521. The name Philippines was named after the king of Spain, Philip II, during Spanish colonisation. The Spaniards ruled for 333 years in the country and the period ended on June 12, 1898 when the Philippine Revolution happened and Filipinos got their independence. This day has become the celebration, Independence Day.

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The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia which consists of about 7,600 islands and is divided into three main groups, namely: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Luzon can be found in the north of the archipelago and is the largest island among the three where , the capital of the Philippines, is located. Visayas is a group of islands in the middle of the archipelago and is the smallest between the two. Lastly, Mindanao can be found in the southernmost part of the island group, where Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines is located.

It is greatly surrounded by bodies of water and is known for having amazing beaches and diving spots that are rich in biodiversity. This is why tourists often visit the country. One of the most famous and favourite beaches in the Philippines is Boracay Island found in the Visayas region because of its very fine sand and clear water.

The country is also known as a tropical country because of its warm weather. There are only two seasons that can be found; the wet/rainy season and the dry season. It is hot year-round so it is advisable to visit from December to February when the weather is a little colder.

Because of the Spanish colonialism, Filipino culture is very close to Spanish culture. One of the cultural aspects that Filipinos got from the Spanish is Festivals. Different kinds of festivals are celebrated in each town like Penagbenga Festival, a parade of different kinds of flowers, in Baguio City; Sinulog Festival, a religious festival wherein the patron saint, Santo Niño, parades in City; MassKara Festival, also known as the Festival of Smiles which happens in City; and many more. They also adopted some of the Spanish words like Estudyante which means student, Libro which means book, Diyos (Dios) which means God, etc.

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The predominant religion in the country is Christianity, mostly Roman Catholic, for about 85% of the population. Having said that, most Filipinos set up altars adorned with Catholic images, flowers, and candles in their homes. During fiestas, communities organise religious processions in honor of a patron saint which is also adopted from Spanish culture.

Filipinos are also known as people who love to eat. They eat different kinds of food such as Chicken adobo, Kare-kare, Halo-halo, Lechon and Sinigang. Those are some of the most favourite dishes of the locals and even the people from other countries. The Philippine fruits like mango, banana, pineapple and guava are some of the top fruits that are widely exported because of their taste.

What an interesting read! Thank you, Aleeza. We can't wait to meet you in person!

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Interview with an Expert

We sat down recently with BCCI's Training Manager, Roohi Rehman, and picked her brain about the Early Childhood industry. Here is what she had to say.

What motivated you to get into Early Childhood Education?

Early childhood education is a rewarding field that gives an opportunity to make a difference in young lives and influence future generations.

Describe a defining moment in your career.

When I started working as a trainer, I wanted to train the students to be the best educators. When I visited my first student at her Work Placement, the feedback from the supervisor was great. At that moment I felt that my teaching was on the right track.

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What are the most important issues facing the Early Childhood sector today?

The wage is the biggest issue in this sector. We need more qualified people to work in this industry as caring and teaching young people is complex. Due to the minimum wage a lot of people leave to work in another sector.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the way teachers interact with children?

Covid-19 has made changes in a lot of different practices in childcare centres but luckily the educators are still able to interact with the children in the way that they used to before.

What are the current educational trends in Early Childhood Education?

Extensive use of technology is a current trend in the early childhood industry. The educators are doing all their documentation online and they are also using technology for educating the children.

Who has had a tremendous impact on your career? How has this person impacted your life?

I have learned different skills and knowledge from every person I have worked with during my work life!

Thanks Roohi for an insightful look at an important and ever-changing industry! To learn more about BCCI's Early Childhood Education and Care courses, see https://bcci.edu.au/courses/domestic-courses/earlychildhood.

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Featured Course: BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management

What are the qualities of a great leader? Learn more about this and build on your experience with the Diploma of Leadership and Management. This course is widely focused and is ideal for those who are wishing to upskill in a number of leadership and management areas. Learn high-level skills in marketing, customer service, team development and project management. This qualification will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve business goals, provide leadership guidance and build a competitive advantage. Students who successfully complete this course may apply for employment as a Frontline Manager, Middle Manager, Supervisor or Business Administrator.

After achieving the BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management, you can undertake BSB60420 Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management or pursue higher education in the tertiary sector.

If you know anyone that may be interested in studying the Diploma or any other BCCI course, ask them to contact [email protected].

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Fast Cook, No Fuss: Zucchini Slice

INGREDIENTS 5 eggs 1 cup self raising flour, sifted 375g zucchini, grated 1 large onion, finely chopped 200g rindless bacon, chopped 1 cup grated cheddar cheese 1/4 cup vegetable oil

If you're looking for a fast, healthy (and cheap) midweek dinner, this is it! You can substitute the bacon with shitake mushrooms, sundried tomatoes or tempeh bacon if you prefer.

Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 170C. Step 2: Beat eggs in a large bowl. Add flour and beat until smooth, then add zucchini, onion, bacon, cheese and oil and stir. Step 3: Grease and line a 30 x 20cm pan. Pour mixture into pan and bake in oven for 30 minutes.

How easy is that! To share one of your favourite recipes, email [email protected].

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