alert

Click here to apply online

College Leadership

College Leadership

Dr. Janine Biggin

College Principal

Janine has been an educator within Catholic schools in Melbourne for over 25 years, having taught in single sex girls', boys', and co-educational settings. She has been a teacher of English, Literature, Religious Education and Humanities. Janine has regularly undertaken postgraduate study, completing qualifications in Education, including a Master of Education which included case studies of various learning and teaching models. Additionally, she has completed qualifications in Learning Diversity, Educational Leadership, Business Administration, and a Doctor of Education in Corporate Team-Based Learning.

As an educator, Janine believes strongly in meeting students at their point of need, personalising the learning journey for everyone. Janine and her family are all avid skaters, taking part in various skating sports. Her two adult children are also both going to work in education. In her free-time, Janine enjoys reading - especially a good thriller - and to travel with her family.

Chris O'Malley

Executive Deputy Principal

Chris O'Malley has been teaching for close to 30 years in a number of Catholic Colleges. He first commenced at St Paul's College in 1995, then moved to MacKillop College in 1998 where he spent 15 years teaching in the areas of Music and Religious Education, and was heavily involved in the performing arts. During this time, Chris taught for a short period in Far North Queensland where he worked closely with Indigenous students and had a leadership role in student wellbeing.

Chris returned to Emmanuel College in 2012, where he has had a number of roles in his time back at the College. He has had a wide variety of leadership roles ranging from Director of Music, Pastoral Leadership, Faith Leadership and - over the past 13 years - as Deputy Principal both in Faith and Campus Leadership. Chris has degrees in music and theology, and a Master's degree in theology.

Marlene Carella

Executive Assistant to the Principal

Marlene Carella has been a member of staff at Emmanuel since 2016. Before joining the College, she worked for four years at one of Emmanuel’s feeder schools, Stella Maris, where she helped establish the tuckshop and worked in the school office. She began her journey at Emmanuel as the Receptionist and First Aid Officer at St Paul's before transitioning to Notre Dame as Administration Secretary for Learning and Teaching.

In 2023, she became the Executive Assistant to the Principal, working across both campuses, supporting the leadership team. Always happy to assist, she offers guidance and lends a helping hand to all staff, students and families wherever needed.

With two children having attended Emmanuel College, Marlene has a deep personal connection to the school and a strong appreciation for its values. She takes great pride in fostering a warm and inclusive environment where the College community feels welcomed and supported.

Beyond her role at the College, Marlene enjoys spending time with her husband, two adult children and dachshund Coco. She is an avid reader, loves travelling the world, and enjoys watching movies, always seeking new experiences and opportunities to explore.

Anita Duhig

Deputy Principal - Inclusive Practices

Anita joined the College in 2022 as the Learning and Teaching Leader - Inclusion, and has recently been promoted to the role of Deputy Principal - Inclusive Practices. Anita is a highly experienced educator with twenty-eight years of experience spanning the Australian, International, Catholic and Independent school systems. Anita is highly qualified and holds a Bachelor of Education, a Post Grad Degree in Psychology, and a Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education, and has recently embarked on a Master of Educational Leadership to help her excel as an executive leader.

Anita is committed to upholding the teachings of the Catholic faith, both in her personal and professional life. Anita is passionate about supporting the individual learning needs of diverse learners, and personalised learning is a fundamental part of her educational philosophy. Anita grew up in Tasmania before moving overseas to assume leadership positions in International Baccalaureate schools, where she led a variety of learning and teaching teams, in addition to teaching as a specialist Individual Needs and EAL educator. Anita has two children and is passionate about international travel and different cultures.

Leah Elmer

Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching

Leah Elmer is an accomplished and innovative educational leader with over 20 years of experience in curriculum development, data-informed teaching practices, and digital learning integration. As the Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching at Emmanuel College, she plays a pivotal role in shaping pedagogical strategies, enhancing student outcomes and supporting them in achieving their very best in all aspects of their lives.

Leah has held various leadership positions, including Learning and Teaching Leader: Pedagogy, Head of Digital Learning, and Learning Enhancement Leader and Cluster Leader. She has a strong background in fostering professional development, implementing evidence-based teaching strategies, and driving school-wide improvements.

With a Master of Education in Leadership from Australian Catholic University, Leah is passionate about student success and staff mentorship. She is committed to creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment that supports both academic excellence and personal growth.

Denis Palanci

Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing SPC

Denis has been teaching and leading in Catholic schools in Melbourne for twenty years. He has taught in a range of different environments including co-education, all girls and now all boys at the St. Paul’s campus. He is a dedicated life-long Physical Educator, having taught junior and VCE courses, and has also taught streams in the Vocational Major.

Denis has completed a Master of Education specialising in the area of Student Wellbeing, and believes strongly in a holistic approach to education - an approach that focuses on the development of confident, well-rounded young people who contribute positively and productively to their communities.

In his spare time, Denis enjoys spending time with his young family, fitness, kite surfing and travelling.

Mario Puopolo

Business Manager

Mario Puopolo has been the Business Manager at Emmanuel College for the past 12 years, and serves on various committees and the college advisory board. Prior to joining Emmanuel, Mario worked in senior management roles in various Universities, IT, architectural and consultancy practices in Australia and abroad. He has a broad range of qualifications in all facets of finance and governance and Mario is proud of recently earning an Executive MBA through ACU.

Mario is an advocate and example of life-long learning. Being a proud St. Paul's College alumnus (Class of 1982), Mario is passionate about the College and is constantly looking to improve facilities and amenities, along with business processes, for it to become a truly great experience for students, families and the community. Mario has two young children and enjoys camping, hiking and travelling with his family. A passionate Richmond supporter, he had the privilege of attending the 2017 and 2019 Grand Finals.

Victor Salloum

Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing NDC

Victor Salloum has been an educator for fifteen years, including 10 years at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College in several leadership roles. Victor has taught in different learning areas, including Humanities and Commerce, Maths, PE, RE and VCE VM. During his fifteen years as an educator, Victor has continued to lead the way in the area of Student and Staff Wellbeing, and in 2022 completed his Masters in Educational Leadership with a key focus on wellbeing. He has held the leadership positions of Year Level Coordinator, Director of Campus (Acting), VCE Coordinator and Assistant Head of Secondary.

Victor joined the Emmanuel College community as Deputy Principal in 2024. As an educator, Victor believes strongly in the happy and healthy students being the best learners. As a leader, Victor is a strong advocate for servant leadership and leading by example, and hopes to make an immediate impact on the Emmanuel College community.

Mark Sciberras

Deputy Principal - Mission Integration

Mark Sciberras has been teaching at the College for over 20 years and is a dedicated member of the Emmanuel College community. During this time Mark served as the inaugural Chaminade House Leader at St Paul’s Campus for eight years, and then as the Pastoral Leader for another six years. Since 2020, Mark has been the Deputy Principal - Mission Integration.

Mark is a passionate Religious Education, Mathematics, Science and Biology teacher. He is a graduate from the University of Melbourne with a Degree in Science, ACU with a Graduate Diploma in Education, and Catholic Theological College with a Post Graduate Certificate in Theology. Mark grew up on a small farm and continues to have a passion for the outdoors. He has summited Mt Kilimanjaro (5895m), Everest Base Camp (5364m), and completed the Kokoda Track, plus numerous extended hikes through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In 2015 he undertook a teaching exchange to Canada.

He is a keen Geelong supporter, reading enthusiast and strong advocate for social justice. Mark is a regular member at Queen of Peace parish. He is a proud husband, and father to his young daughter and puppy parent to his three-year-old spoodle Lulu.