On behalf of the Society of Jesus in Australia, Jesuit Education Australasia, and the Xavier College Board, we are delighted to announce that Mr John Frare has been appointed Principal of Xavier College, effective January 2027.
John is currently Executive Principal of Assisi Catholic College in Upper Coomera, Queensland. Prior to his appointment to Assisi College, John was Dean of College at Iona College in Brisbane, and previous to this, was the Deputy Headmaster at Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) Brisbane.
Stepping into the role of Principal at Xavier College is something of a spiritual homecoming for John. Before his move to Queensland, he held leadership positions at both St Aloysius’ College, Milsons Point and Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview, Sydney. His deep connection with Ignatian spirituality played a significant part in his decision to apply for the position of Principal at Xavier.
In accordance with Jesuit tradition, John has an ‘academic priority’ focus and has been successful in bringing about improved academic outcomes in his current and previous roles. He also sees the provision of high-quality education, including co-curricular opportunities across a range of disciplines, as an essential part of that care. More particularly, he stresses the importance of fully seeing and appreciating every student in front of him.
Prior to commencing his teaching career, John was a professional rugby league player for 7 years, playing for the Paramatta Eels in the NRL, and for Italy, internationally. The experience helped form his educational philosophy, and particularly his appreciation of cura personalis, or the importance of caring for the whole person.
The search for our new Principal was extensive, resulting in a large number of applicants, including impressive international applicants. Thank you to all those members of our community who provided feedback to our consultant, Rosie Rowe, at the outset of the recruitment period. Your input and insights were invaluable to the Board.
From an outstanding field, John was the standout candidate. We are excited about his appointment, and we look forward to meeting and welcoming him, his wife Sophie, and their three teenage children to our community in 2027. John hopes to spend a few days at Xavier later this year to meet staff and students, and we are very grateful to our current Principal, Mr Lee MacMaster, for the generous way he has offered to assist in the Principal transition process.
Between now and January, Lee will continue to lead the College with the wisdom and clarity we have come to know and deeply appreciate.
