Teacher calls time on 33 years at college

TINA LAW

After 33 years of making music come to life for Linwood College pupils, Tony Ryan is leaving the school and Christchurch.

The head of music, who led the decile 2 school's orchestra on a successful European tour last year after raising $220,000, has taken voluntary redundancy and will finish on March 1.

Ryan said he was sad to leave and would miss the school's character, its richness and its diversity of cultures.

"I think Linwood College is quite a remarkable place," he said.

However, continued frustration and indecision over Ryan's white-zoned Redcliffs home has caused him and wife Ursula to rethink their future.

The Ryans have not lived in their home since last February's earthquake.

Ryan said coping with the quakes had not been as bad as the frustration of dealing with the Earthquake Commission.

"We're getting nowhere. There's been zero progress. It's just so frustrating. You can't operate your life," he said.

"The only way to try to cope with it and try to get above it is to move away."

Ryan, 60, said he was not ready to retire and was considering options, including moving to Kenya to work at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.

The academy is headed by former Linwood College principal Rob Burrough.

Ryan said he was also considering jobs in Britain and Europe.

Ryan first worked at Linwood as a student teacher in 1975 after being attracted by the reputation of its music and performing arts department.

When he finished training he got a job in Wellington, but after three years he wrote to the Linwood principal to ask for a job. The head of music was about to resign and he was appointed to the role in 1979.

The orchestra at the time had about 30 members and he has built it to more than 70.

"Students come here with low expectations of themselves but we have high expectations of them and they live up to our expectations," he said.

The highlight of his years at the school was last year's tour of Britain and Europe.

The orchestra performed in London's Westminster Abbey on Anzac Day.

"It's something none of us will ever forget."

Linwood College music teacher Andrew Murphy will take over as head of music.

- © Fairfax NZ News