Beverley Anne Johnson is warmly remembered by the Diocesan school and parish community as a trailblazer of her time, being one of the first lay Catholic school principals in the Sydney region.
During her life, and as a devoted parishioner at Christ the King Parish, North Rocks, and former Principal of Monte Sant’ Angelo in Sydney, St Agnes Catholic High School, Rooty Hill, and Emmaus Catholic College, Kemps Creek, Beverley inspired hundreds of students to nurture their Catholic faith through learning.
Born on 24 August 1942, Beverley dedicated her life to education; touching the lives of thousands of children as a passionate and inspiring Catholic school teacher and principal. She died on 7 July 2024 following a courageous battle with cervical cancer. She was 82.
Not many can say they taught at the same school that taught them, as Beverley was both a student and a teacher at Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, Epping.
Following her tertiary studies, Beverley moved to Tara Anglican School for a few years in the mid-1980s until the late Sr Patricia (Pat) Maris Tully CJS encouraged her to apply for the principal’s position at St Agnes, Rooty Hill. She was school principal at St Agnes from 1987 to 1993.
Former principal Beverley Johnson (centre left) with staff at St Agnes Catholic High School, Rooty Hill in 1988. Image: Supplied
At her funeral in July, her son Chris gave a eulogy where he shared the positive impact Beverley made at the school.
“She inspired the staff there to change, grow, and learn, and the school’s results climbed significantly,” Chris said.
Her passion for education brought her to the Diocese of Parramatta, where she was school principal of Emmaus Catholic College between 1994 and 2000.
In 2000, Beverley became the first lay principal appointed by the College Board and the Trustees of the Sisters of Mercy at Monte Sant’ Angelo in North Sydney.
Under her leadership, the college moved forward with innovative emphasis on teaching and learning and the integration of Information Communication Technologies to facilitate and enhance curriculum delivery.
This was followed by a year as a relieving principal at Bethany College in Hurstville in 2005.
“A new chapter in her career began when she moved to the Catholic Education Office Southwest Sydney at Lidcombe,” Chris said.
“She effectively became the overseer of multiple schools in the area, advising and mentoring principals and staff in all of those schools and contributing to their success.”
She flourished in that position until her official retirement at 72, upon which she spent a few years as an independent mentor for school executives all around Australia.
An undated file image of former school principal Beverley Johnson. Image: Supplied
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, said Beverley’s devout passion as a student, teacher and leader in Catholic education in our Diocese followed the example of Jesus.
“Beverley worked hard to lead, inspire and nurture the Catholic faith of many students in our Diocese,” he said.
“She was a pillar of strength for her family and the community, and a true Disciple who will be greatly missed.”
Emmaus Catholic College posted heartfelt sentiments in memory of Beverley on its Facebook page.
“She lived the Emmaus motto, ‘We walk with Jesus,’ and was deeply committed to religious education and preparing her students to enter our ever-changing society,” the post read.
May eternal rest grant unto Beverley, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May her soul, together with the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
