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Emmanuel College wishes all families a happy festive season and restful break.
Please note that the College offices are closed from Friday 20 December 2024 until Monday January 20, 2025.

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.

Nicole Allan

Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching

Nicole Allan is Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching at Emmanuel College, joining the community at the start of 2020. She is an experienced Deputy Principal of fifteen years, having undertaken Deputy Principal roles leading in Faith and Mission, Student Wellbeing and Learning and Teaching over her twenty-five year teaching career. Nicole is a Science (Biology specialisation) and Religious Education teacher who has also taught Maths, Health, Digital Tech and Humanities over her career.

She is passionate about ensuring every student in our community has a meaningful pathway through Emmanuel that will provide them with the capabilities required to thrive as an active, compassionate member of our society. Nicole aims to model that compassion for others to the community through actively being involved in social justice and living her Catholic faith authentically. She is committed to life-long learning for all and has a Masters of Religious Education (ACU), and in 2024 will complete a Masters of Educational Leadership and Management (Uni Melb).

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.

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.

2024 will be Victor's first year at Emmanuel College, and first year as a Deputy Principal. 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.