St Thomas has a new collaboration with Marymead Child and Family Centre - A new school counsellor/family worker is joining us.

Introducing Al Robinson

Al has been working with children and families at Marymead for the past 4 years. He is a qualified counsellor, specialising in adult/child relationships and problems experienced within family systems and other systems too. Al has also worked with: men experiencing anger problems, relationship breakdown and homelessness; parents and families experiencing domestic/family violence; parents in high conflict post-separation; supporting kids and carers in Out of Home Care.

When a kid is having a hard time, Al likes to help by taking the time to hear what's going on, and then by working in any space that needs it – with the child, the people in their home, the classroom teacher, or anyone else that can get involved and respond to make a difference.

The first thing you’ll notice about Al is that he’s quite tall, and nearly all his hair has disappeared. This is because he grew so fast that he grew taller than his own hair. Al hopes to shrink a bit one day and get some of it back.

Al has a bunch of kids of his own, nearly all grown up now, and a couple of beautiful young grandchildren too. Al used to be a music teacher and a tradesman. Al loves music, soccer, AFL, art (although he’s not so good at drawing), dogs, cats, woodwork, bushwalks, and camping.

All kids, parents and teachers are encouraged to approach Al and introduce themselves. Al is always happy for a chat. He will be at the school 2- 3 days each week.

Al will be starting to see students next week. If you would like your child to see Al, please contact your child’s teacher or the front office for a referral form.