About
Leadership, Faculty & Staff
Xaverian Leadership
List of 7 items.
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Dr. Jacob Conca '94, Head of School
Dr. Jacob Conca became Xaverian Brothers High School's first layperson Head of School in 2019. As a 1994 graduate of Xaverian and an employee at Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools since 2003, Dr. Conca has a sincere appreciation for and thorough understanding of the Xaverian mission and values. He served as Dean of Students at Xaverian from 2003-2007, Principal of Saint John's High School from 2007-2016, and Principal of Xaverian from 2016-2019 before being appointed Head of School. His background also includes extensive teaching and coaching experience.
Dr. Conca holds a bachelor's degree from Amherst College, an M.Ed. from Providence College, and a Ph.D. from Boston College. In addition to his work at Xaverian, he serves on the Board of Trustees at Xavier High School in Connecticut, Notre Dame Academy in Hingham, and Dana Hall School in Wellesley. -
Dr. Michael Nicholson, P '29, Principal
Dr. Michael Nicholson was appointed Principal in November 2019, after serving as Xaverian's Assistant Principal for Student Life. He came to Xaverian from Saint John's High School. There, Dr. Nicholson served as a faculty member in the Religious Studies Department, coach, campus minister, Director of Campus Ministry, and ultimately as the Assistant Principal for Student Life.
Dr. Nicholson holds a bachelor's degree in Theology from St. Anselm College and a master's degree in Religious Education and Catholic School Leadership from Boston College. He earned his Doctorate of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University, in addition to a certificate in Catholic School Leadership. He serves on the Board of Trustees at Saint Bernard School, another Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School that is located in Connecticut. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor at Boston College's Lynch School of Education in the Roche Center for Catholic Education. -
Dr. Stephen Dacey '95, P '31, Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning
Dr. Stephen Dacey '95 joined Xaverian in the 2003-2004 school year. Responsible for fostering a dynamic teaching and learning environment focused on the classroom and beyond, in his current role Dr. Dacey supports faculty and students in a variety of ways, including assessment of data and incorporating teacher and student feedback into Xaverian's instructional approach. He helps to identify effective models to sustain overall academic growth and excellence at Xaverian.Dr. Dacey holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Secondary Education from Stonehill College. He also holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College, as well as a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Boston College. Before Xaverian, he worked with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at Goddard Space Flight Center to improve educational use and access of NASA data applications in the classroom. He began his career teaching science at Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. -
Dr. Thomas Smith, Assistant Principal for Academics, Grades 9-12
Dr. Thomas Smith is the Assistant Principal for Academics, Grades 9-12. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Boston College and two master’s degrees: a Master of Science in mathematics from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Education in secondary education and mathematics from BC. In addition, he also earned his Doctor of Education in educational leadership from BC.
Prior to Xaverian, Mr. Smith spent 19 years in service as a math teacher and the Dean of Teaching and Learning at Boston College High School. -
Dr. Jay McGilvray, Assistant Principal, Francis Xavier Division Grades 7 & 8
Dr. Jay McGilvray joined Xaverian in the 2003-2004 school year. He has served as an English teacher, coach, and department chair. He was appointed to Assistant Principal for Grades 7 and 8 (FXD) in May 2013. Dr. McGilvray served as the varsity golf coach for 10 years at Xaverian, the freshman baseball coach for four years, and the Department Chair of the English Department.Before joining the faculty at Xaverian, Dr. McGilvray taught middle school in Arlington and Danvers. He holds an undergraduate degree from Elon University, a Master of Educational Administration from Boston College, and a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership as well as a Catholic School Leadership certificate from Creighton University. -
Mr. Joshua Tranfaglia, Assistant Principal for Student Life
Mr. Joshua Tranfaglia joined Xaverian as a social studies faculty member in 2014, and from 2014-2019 taught in the Francis Xavier Division (FXD) and coached golf, basketball, and baseball at both the FXD and high school levels. He became the Assistant Principal for Student Life in 2019. Prior to Xaverian, Mr. Tranfaglia taught social studies and religion at St. Michael School in Fall River.
Mr. Tranfaglia has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Secondary Education from Providence College. He completed the Providence Alliance for Catholic Teachers program out of Providence College, which prepares teachers for life in Catholic education. -
Mr. Terrell Diggs, Dean of Students
Mr. Terrell Diggs brings over 12 years of experience in educational leadership within Catholic and private school settings, and he joins the Xaverian community with a deep commitment to student formation and character development. He previously served as Athletic Director and Restorative Practice Coordinator at New Heights Charter School of Brockton, Mr. Diggs has also held key roles at several mission-driven institutions, including Assistant Director of Admissions at St. Sebastian’s School, Assistant Director of Enrollment Management at Boston College High School, and Vice Principal and Athletic Director at Nativity Preparatory School.
In addition to his administrative work, Mr. Diggs has served as a classroom teacher, coach, mentor, and school leader. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Stonehill College and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Boston College.
Faculty & Staff Directory
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List of 12 members.
Xaverian Brothers High School
Phone: 781-326-6392
Fax: 781-320-0458
Directions | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
EIN (Tax ID Number): 04-2314036
Fax: 781-320-0458
Directions | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
EIN (Tax ID Number): 04-2314036
Xaverian is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for boys in grades 7-12. As an inclusive community, we embrace diverse experiences and perspectives, welcoming students and families from all faiths and backgrounds. Through exceptional academics, athletics, the arts, faith formation, and service opportunities, we help young men discover their unique gifts and talents so they can share them with a world in need.
