Introducing the Guidance Team

We have a team of caring, highly skilled Guidance Counsellors to support your child when life gets tough. Leading the team is Mr Jin Tai, who has been at the College for 19 years.

Students see a counsellor for a range of issues, including low mood, anxiety, grief, and struggles with adapting to a new environment or culture. The service is free and non-judgemental.

"Throughout life, there's going to challenges, so it's about learning coping strategies to manage them," says Mr Tai. "Seeing a child get from point A where things feel heavy, to point B where they see hope and potential and start reaching for it... that makes this job really fulfilling."

Booking an appointment

Students can book an appointment by emailing one of the Counsellors or by contacting them via Teams message, or putting a message under the door.

If a referral is needed to a psychologist or psychiatrist, this can be arranged.

L-R: Trudi Gwillim, Tessa Bennett, Jin Tai, Jane Falkiner, Sia Sinisa

Mr. Tai's top tips for mental health while at Avcol:

1. Eat and drink healthily

2. Sleep well

3. Connect - stay in touch with people who fill your cup

4. Always talk to yourself the way you'd want someone you cared about to talk to you!