Newsmaker




Monday, March 3, 1997

Name: Winona Gonsalves
Age: 60
Education: Chaminade University bachelor's degree
Occupation: St. Patrick School mathematics teacher

Not only that, the Kaimuki elementary school is her alma mater, and her only separation from the place was her four years in high school at Sacred Hearts Academy across the street.

The parents of several of her current fifth- and sixth-grade students remember "Miss Gonsalves" as their teacher a generation ago, and two fellow faculty members are her former students.

At a recent program celebrating Catholic school week, Gonsalves was presented the National Catholic Education Association's Distinguished Graduate Award.

It was not just her perseverance in the job that led her colleagues to nominate her for the national award.

"She goes above and beyond the job. She's marvelous," said Sister Rose Miriam Schillinger, principal of the 525-student school.

The school will be inspected in early March by a national accreditation team.

It is seeking accreditation for the first time from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Gonsalves took on the job of self-study coordinator, directing the faculty and staff in its preparation for the national organization's scrutiny. It involved many extra hours of discussion, review and eventual publication of a book that details all that St. Patrick's has to offer.

"We have to prove to them we do what we say," she said.

She said going beyond the classroom in her efforts for St. Patrick's is intertwined with the job satisfaction that has kept her there all these years. "It's not just the quality of education we offer, it's the environment. We have a Christian environment, the stress is on values and respect."

Gonsalves teaches mathematics classes, and in her homeroom, also teaches religion and spelling. Over the years she has taught first through eighth grades.

"I like this age," she said of her fifth- and sixth-graders.

"Everything is still a wonder; they're still discovering things. I like that.

"There are so many things we didn't have when I started," she said.

Computerization and new technology have changed the thrust of math classes. "I go with the flow," she says of the changes over the years. "I enjoy new fresh viewpoints."

She won't compare the students of old with her current crop except to say "Today's students have to work harder at self-discipline. That is partly because of the change in the kind of family units they come from, with so many from single-parent homes."

Gonsalves started teaching when only a high-school diploma was required, then earned a bachelor's degree while she continued to work. "I've never felt I wanted to leave."