Hi, I am Wayne Thorne, the webmaster and also one of the Directors at Alpha. You won't see me down at the school at Bishopdale very often as I am very much the behind the scenes person. I spend my days working for Telecom New Zealand Limited and some evenings and weekends maintaining the Computer network, keeping the Website up-to-date and also looking after the Alpha accounts.

When the weather is fine during the weekend you may find me in the vegetable garden muttering to the weeds or conversing with the carrots!

I'm Russell Pizzey, Manager at Alpha.  My main responsibilities are to process all the enquiries, enrolments, general administrative tasks that take place in our language school and occasionally doing some relief teaching.  Having been in educational workplaces for more than 17 years I really enjoy interacting with the students, especially those who come to NZ for their study.  When I am not at Alpha you will catch me reading, cycling or messing about with model trains.

 Teaching English and piano are two of my passions. I have been teaching at Alpha for over 10 years. I find it a privilege to open doors of learning and work alongside people of different cultures, ages and backgrounds.

I also love sport, travelling, reading and playing the piano for musical theatre shows like 'Les Miserables' and 'Jesus Christ Superstar'  My very supportive husband, four gorgeous children, two grandchildren and three cats are my other passions!

Vijay Vijayan is my name and teaching is my passion. I have taught Science and English (ESOL) especially to High School students for over 25 years. I am originally from Malaysia but for the last 17 years, Christchurch has been my home. I speak three languages and have taught in Malaysia, the U.K. and now in New Zealand. I have been a teacher at Alpha since 2003. Besides Science and ESOL I also teach High School Mathematics, Social Studies, Geography, Biology (Years 11, 12 & 13), Academic English and Economics. Together with the director, Mrs Kathryn Thorne, I prepare and run the High School Programme at Alpha. I am proud to say that many of my present and former students have done extremely well in their respective high schools. My desire is to see Alpha students get into good schools in Christchurch and achieve excellent results in their NCEA examinations.

Food is my other obsession although I can’t cook. In the weekends you’d probably find me at a Chinese restaurant or helping my wife cook curries.  For transport and fitness, I love biking – rain, hail or snow!

Hello, I am Michele Pizzey and yes, my husband also works at Alpha!  My responsibilities differ from those of other staff members and are many-fold.  They include being at the front desk as Receptionist/Secretary and in supporting the teaching staff. Along with Kathryn Thorne, I am responsible for the pastoral care of the students.  I regard this as a very important role as a number of our teenage students take time to adjust to the NZ way of life and can be quite homesick.  I consider it a privilege and enjoy getting to know the various cultures our students represent.

I always find time to garden, do handwork (patchwork/embroidery), walking and spending time with family.

My name is Glynn Christie.  I enjoy teaching students at all levels but usually work with adults helping them to understand, in a practical way, that strange language - English! 

I come from a background in environmental policy working with the NZ Government.  I have also worked in the private sector helping development projects to be built in environmently sensitive areas within NZ.  I bring this experience to the class room, helping students to relax and enjoy themselves.

I also enjoy reading, walking and family history.

 I am Bernadette Kernick, a relieving teacher and after-school tutor ar Alpha.  Having taught in high schools in New Zealand for many years, I still enjoy teaching.  I have also taught residential programmes for younger gifted children at UNSW, Sydney. 

My leisure activities include classical music, gardening and community service.