
Leadership and governance
Governance
Emmanuel College is a school which operates with the consent of the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne and is operated and governed by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS).
MACS governs and operates Catholic schools in the Archdiocese to continue the mission of Catholic education to proclaim the Good News and equip our young people with the knowledge, skills and hope to live meaningful lives and enrich the world around them.
Because the good work of educating the young is a co-responsible task led by every member of the Catholic school community, School Advisory Councils have been established to provide a crucial point of connection between the wider school community and school leaders. This governance model was designed to ease the administrative burden on our schools and parishes, allow parish priests to focus on the mission of education in the parish, enable greater collaboration between schools and ensure greater consistency in school policies and procedures.

More information on MACS is available at www.macs.vic.edu.au.
College Executive

Dr Janine Biggin
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.

Mr Mark Sciberras
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.

Louise McCloskey
Louise McCloskey has served in Catholic education since 2021, holding leadership roles within MACS secondary schools. In her capacity as Business Manager at Emmanuel College, she is involved in a number of College committees and the College Advisory Board, contributing to the governance of the College.
Prior to joining MACS, Louise held senior management positions across diverse industries, including FMCG and professional services, both in Australia and internationally. She brings broad commercial expertise, strong financial stewardship, and a commitment to best practice to her role within Emmanuel College.
Louise values the diversity and purpose-driven nature of the Business Manager role. She is deeply committed to the mission of Emmanuel College and continually seeks to enhance facilities, strengthen operational processes, and improve the overall experience for students, families, and the wider community.
In her free time Louise enjoys listening to podcasts and spending weekends exploring new parks and cafés with her husband and son.

Mrs Tarryn Abraham
Tarryn Abraham began her career in Catholic education in 2010, following her graduation from Australian Catholic University. She has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to teaching and learning, sharing her expertise at conferences, both locally and internationally.
Tarryn has served in senior leadership roles since 2014, leading innovation in pedagogy, literacy, Religious Education, curriculum design, and collaborative professional practice, centred on improving student outcomes.
In 2019, she completed a Master of Theological Studies at the University of Divinity. In 2022, she furthered her great passion for educational leadership by becoming a Trained Leader - Coaching in Leadership through Growth Coaching International's Coaching Accreditation Program.
Inspired by the story of the three Marys - Mary, Mother of Jesus; Mary MacKillop; and Mary Ward, Tarryn is passionate about forming courageous, socially responsible young people.
Outside of the classroom, Tarryn cherishes adventures with her husband and two young children. She also enjoys photography and free-verse poetry.

Marlene Carella
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.

Ms Anita Duhig
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.

Ms Leah Elmer
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.

Mr Denis Palanci
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.

Ms Brooke Clark
Brooke has been a valued member of the Emmanuel College community for almost two decades, having first joined the College in 2007. Throughout this time, Brooke has led and implemented key initiatives in Literacy, Differentiated Instruction, and Inclusive Teaching practices, serving in roles including Inclusion Lead Teacher and Transition Coordinator, and most recently, Director of Inclusion at our Notre Dame Campus.
After graduating from Deakin University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Commerce, Brooke went on to specialise in Education, focusing on supporting the learning needs of students from Prep through to Year 12 through a further Bachelor's degree.
Passionate about supporting diverse learners, Brooke takes great pride in collaborating with staff to ensure curriculum and assessment practices meet the varied needs of all students. She is committed to fostering inclusive learning environments where every student is supported to achieve success. Through her leadership, Brooke promotes and models a strengths-based, high-expectation culture that empowers all students to achieve their personal best.
Outside of education, Brooke enjoys spending time with her family and their many pets. She also loves travelling, particularly to warmer climates, and has a deep appreciation for learning about different cultures and experiences around the world.
Elected and Co-opted Members of the College Advisory Council for 2026
Father Binh Li (President)
Mr Keith Brown (Chair)
Mr Naresh Raja (Co-opted Member)
Ms Valentina Trajkovski (Parent Member)
Mr Javier Arguello (Parent Member)
Ms Michelle MacDonald (Parent Member)
Mrs Trillion Ralston (Parent Member)
Mr Angelo Basilone (Alumnus Member)
Mr Nik Kiannies (Staff Member - SPC)
Ms Linna Abdi (Staff Member - NDC)
Jorja Grebert (Student Member - NDC)
Jeremy Cassar (Student Member - SPC)
Dr Janine Biggin (College Principal)
Mr Mark Sciberras (Deputy Principal - Mission Integration)
Ms Louise McCloskey (Business Manager)
Ms Leah Elmer (Deputy Principal - Leader Learning & Teaching)
Ms Anita Duhig (Acting Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing)
Mr Denis Palanci (Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing SPC)
Mr Victor Salloum (Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing NDC)
Ms Brook Clarke (Acting Deputy Principal - Inclusive Practices)
Ms Tarryn Abraham (Senior Director People and Culture)

Father Binh Li
Fr. Binh currently serves as the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, ministering to the communities of Laverton, Altona Meadows and Point Cook, a parish known for its welcoming, faith-filled and vibrant community life. He has been actively involved with Emmanuel College for nearly ten years, serving as one of its Canonical Administrators and, since 2024, as a member of the School Advisory Council.
Fr. Binh regards it as a privilege to accompany students on their journey of Catholic education, supporting their spiritual, personal and academic growth. He works with the School Leadership Team and educators, providing guidance and encouragement to foster an environment of excellence, faith formation and pastoral care. His approach, centred on listening and accompanying, reflects a deep commitment to nurturing a vibrant school and parish community where both students and staff can flourish.
Beyond his ministry, Fr. Binh enjoys exploring different cultures through travel and finds relaxation and rejuvenation through sport, particularly playing tennis. These interests allow him to connect with others, embrace new experiences and maintain a balanced and joyful approach to life and service.

Mr Keith Brown
Keith has been the Chair of the former Board and now Advisory Council at Emmanuel College for more than a decade. During that time, he has drawn from his business background to contribute to the vision, ongoing financial strength, and strong governance of the College to enable the substantial investments which have been made in the provision of both facilities and programs during a time of significant growth.
Professionally, Keith’s career encompassed senior executive, CEO and Board member/ Chair positions in both the Public Sector, and industries such as oil, gas, banking, health services, and workplace health and safety regulation. During that time, he undertook several executive education programs in strategic industrial relations and human resources management at the Australian Graduate School of Management in Sydney, and Harvard Business School in Boston, USA.
In his position as Chair, Keith is a strong supporter of the role of the Advisory Council in the life and development of the college on behalf of its students, parent community, staff, and Catholic parishes.

Mr Naresh Raja
Naresh Raja is a qualified accountant with 25 years of experience across Manufacturing, Import, and Wholesale industries in various countries. Certified in the UK, he has held roles from accountant to Finance Director before relocating to Australia.
Currently, he serves as Chief Financial Officer for six companies, combining strong financial management skills with sharp commercial insight.
Naresh actively seeks challenges and opportunities to enhance organisational performance and his personal development. Throughout his career, he has focused on establishing reliable financial and reporting systems and empowering staff to understand the key drivers of good financial management.
Additionally, he supports two charitable organisations as treasurer.

Ms Valentina Trajkovski
Valentina Trajkovski has been a parent member for over 5 years with two children who are part of the college one who has graduated now in University and the other in year 11. Professionally she is a Procurement Manager in a public hospital with over 20 years’ experience as a registered nurse in various clinical, quality and project roles. She currently leads teams of professionals in procurement, clinical and business support functions to achieve high quality outcomes through her supportive, collaborative, innovative and professional style. She holds the Chair position of the Clinical Product Advisor Group (CPAG) representing clinicians that provide advice and strategic support on the management and effective use of clinical products across the Victorian Healthcare sector to deliver the best care to patients. Valentina holds MBA and Honours degrees, is a qualified life coach and is currently completing her PhD with her research activities focusing on adolescent and clinician wellbeing. Her passions include health promotion, developing connected relationships, reading, education, cooking, travelling, and dancing.

Mr Javier Arguello
Javier has worked in Communications and Information Technology for more than 20 years. He holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science, which complements his background as a Computer Engineer. Known for a strong strategic focus with high level of analytical skills and attention to detail, notice and appreciate each person’s unique characteristics, love to learn and intuitively knows how to learn best.
As a Catholic, one of his core values is family, which led him to choose Catholic education for his three children. He has a strong interest in Theology, Philosophy, and Psychology. Completed a diploma in Theology of the Body.
He actively serves on leadership teams across various ministries (including the Alpha Course, Beta Mission Evangelization, School of Discipleship, Bible studies, and others) in nearby parishes. He also contributes as a parent representative on our College Advisory Council.

Ms Michelle MacDonald
Michelle is an entrepreneur, a Mum of one and a former Mayor.
Michelle was the Mayor of Maribyrnong in 2005 and 2008. She was the Victorian Local Governance Association’s inaugural recipient of the Mayoral Chain Award for services to community leadership.
Michelle has occupied leadership roles in policy and health planning at Western Health and Victoria University.
Michelle is the founder of Stella Says Mobile Lice Removal Service which operates in Melbourne, Geelong and Greater Bendigo.
This business reflects her values of family, sustainability and the financial equity of women, employing a female workforce, predominantly mothers.
Michelle is committed to values of equity and social justice, instilled by her own Catholic education and which she is passing on to her son.
Michelle is a keen runner, completing her first marathon in January 2025 and looking forward to doing another.
In her down time she loves travelling with her husband and son.
They’ve hiked in the Spanish Pyrenees and cycled around Copenhagen and are looking forward to climbing Mount Kinabalu.

Mrs Trillian Ralston
Trillian has been a primary school teacher for over ten years, working across a number of schools. She currently has 2 children attending the College and another in primary school. Trillian and her family chose Emmanuel College as the high school for their children based on the wealth of opportunities available for students.
Over the last 3 years, Trillian has supported the College by speaking at information mornings and being a parent representative on the College Advisory Board.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as indulging in her love of the arts, attending numerous stage shows, comedy performances and live music events.

Angelo Basilone
Angelo Basilone was a student at St. Paul’s College (Class of 1984) and a current alumni. Angelo is keen and passionate to “give back” to the college to ensure it continues to thrive and grow, and provide current day students the opportunity to learn that he received. He took the opportunity to mentor two year 12 finance students as part of the college’s Nexus Mentoring program in 2023, which he enjoyed immensely.
Angelo is a qualified CPA Accountant and works in the manufacturing industry as a CFO. He completed his degree at La Trobe University (Bachelor ofEconomics with Accounting Major). Angelo has a broad range of experience in all aspects of finance and senior business management having started his working career back in 1988.
Outside of work, Angelo enjoys spending time with his family, loves his football and cricket (Hawthorn supporter) and being an active member in the community. He is Co President and Secretary of the Italian Social Club Altona and proud of his Italian heritage.
Annual Report
Each year the College publishes an annual report to the College community that reports progress and achievements in the following key areas of College life:
- Education in faith
- Student wellbeing
- Learning and Teaching
- Leadership and management
- College community


