New principal ready for challenge

It is a transition, but Baldwin High's big numbers don't scare Natalie Gonsalves

Natalie Gonsalves, the new principal of Baldwin High School, is ready to start leading the school after coming from Honokaa High and Intermediate School on the Big Island.

BALDWIN HIGH SCHOOL Address: 1650 Kaahumanu Ave., Wailuku, HI 96793 Principal: Natalie Gonsalves Nickname: Bears Colors: Maroon and blue About the school's newspaper: Name: Baldwin Courier Faculty adviser: Linda Coleon

Because Honokaa has only 840 students -- half of Baldwin's population -- there is a transition. However, Gonsalves does not believe she will have any problem adjusting.

"I love it here," Gonsalves says. "The staff is great, and the students impressed me because the culture of the students is more respectful and friendly. You can just walk up and talk to them. You don't find too much of that on the Big Island."

As for changes around the school, Gonsalves wants to work on communication between the different departments of the school as well as student responsibility. Gonsalves says communication is important for everyone to work together efficiently. Students also need to take responsibility of their school work and communicate any problems with teachers, Gonsalves added.

"Baldwin has a good reputation," Gonsalves says. "Even on the Big Island, you hear about Baldwin, and I want the school to live up to that reputation."

Gonsalves received her Bachelor of Arts in education from the University of Portland and her master's from UH-Manoa. She was a teacher for 15 years before going into administration, and taught every grade except fourth and fifth grades.

During her leisure time, Gonsalves enjoys singing, even though she admits she's not the best, and she also likes to read. She has three children, ages 26, 23 and 21, and two granddaughters.