Ellen Desailly


Ellen "Nellie" Desailly was a pioneer of the Free Kindergarten movement in Sydney, Australia.

History

Desailly was the second daughter of George Peter Desailly and Emma Jane Desailly of Coree, [New South Wales|Coree] and Mossgiel, New [South Wales|Mossgiel Station], N.S.W.
She was the first general secretary of the Kindergarten Union of New South Wales, a position she held for 22 years.

Family

Dr Gilbert Desailly, married to Frances Esme Desailly, M.B.E., J.P., née Tangye, of Camperdown, was a brother.

Recognition

The Ellen Desailly kindergarten at North [Sydney, New South Wales|North Sydney] was named for her. When it closed down, the Wentworth Park kindergarten at Glebe was renamed Ellen Desailly kindergarten.
Harriet A. Dumolo, principal of the Kindergarten Training College, paid a tribute to her work and influence.