Helen Hailes

Helen Hailes (1890 - 1958) was the only daughter of Walter Croisdelle Hailes and Isabel Smith. Her father was a director Parsons Brothers and Company Pty Ltd. A food packaging and distribution business.

Helen attended Presbyterian Ladies College before enrolling at Melbourne University where she gained 1st Class Honors in History and Political Economy. In 1911 she shared the Dwight Prize in history with O de R Foemander. This award was established in 1872 at the bequest of Henry Tolman Dwight and is awarded annually to the highest-ranked honors student in History

Helen was on the teaching staff of Presbyterian Ladies College for 43 years, joining in 1912 and retiring in 1954. She became Vice-principal in 1935 a position she held until her retirement. In recognition of her service to the school established a Scholarship in 1959 in her honour.

Helen was very active in Victorian Women Graduates’ Association (one of the former names for Graduate Women Victoria). She held the positions of Secretary (1932 and 1935), Vice-president (1936 -1939, 1942) and President (1940 and 1941).