A new era in Saint Louis School's 164-year history began yesterday morning when former state schools Superintendent Pat Hamamoto took the helm of the all-male Catholic institution in Kaimuki, becoming its first female principal.

“;It's a relief but I'm also very elated,”; Saint Louis President Walter Kirimitsu said yesterday at a news conference on campus. “;Already my shoulders are not stooping as much.”;

Kirimitsu had acted as principal since former Principal Jack Rizzo abruptly resigned in November for undisclosed medical reasons.

Long known as a sports powerhouse, Saint Louis School will continue its efforts to foster a reputation as an academically challenging establishment under Hamamoto's leadership.

“;Because of our past success in football, there is a perception in the community, understandably so, that we are a football school and therefore an athletic school,”; said Kirimitsu. “;But the reality is we need to be truly a college prep school. Academically, Pat's experience will bring the No. 1 priority to the forefront. So it will be a transformation. Pat can elevate the stature of the whole school.”;

Dressed in flats and a feminine version of the Saint Louis School uniform, Hamamoto seemed unimpressed with her groundbreaking status.

“;I was also the first female principal of McKinley High School, so this is a second first,”; she chuckled. While a 65-year-old female leader of a Catholic boys school led by Marianists is, in some respects, irrelevant in a gender-neutral educational philosophy, it marks a significant shift at Saint Louis.

“;I want to be a model for the students so they see me as an educator who is concerned about their welfare and their well-being,”; said Hamamoto. “;And in order to do that, I have to earn their respect. How they behave towards me and how I behave towards them, I believe, will further reinforce the foundations they already have.”;

Elise Johnson, the parent of a seventh-grade Saint Louis School student, was thrilled with Hamamoto's appointment: “;This is exactly what we as parents are looking for—someone with experience and someone who knows the culture of Hawaii,”; she said. “;We were concerned that if a mainland principal came in, they might not understand how Hawaii rolls. And to be quite frank, I think a woman's going to do a great job. The boys are taught to be men of character, and they rise when a female enters the classroom. ... I think she's going to command a lot of respect.”;

After speaking about her plans to listen, assess and ask questions at Saint Louis, Hamamoto acknowledged the challenges she faced as superintendent and expressed hope that her move to a private school would not give the impression that she had left behind her commitment to public education.

The job offer did not come until after she had retired as superintendent amid the Furlough Friday debate. However, she noted, “;there's never a good time”; to depart. After 40 years in education, she had never served as a private-school administrator and wanted this experience. Her beliefs also match well with those of the Catholic institution.

“;I really do put my faith and trust in God,”; she said.

Russell Valente, interim principal of Saint Louis School from 2007 to 2009, a former student and the current director of alumni relations, estimated that 35 to 40 faculty members are female.

“;I don't think the quality of education and teaching and learning has anything to do with gender,”; he said. “;But I think she's going to be a real role model for our guys in the way she conducts herself.”;