Caring for students and their families comes naturally for Sister Rita Ann Fitt.
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The family liaison officer and pastoral care coordinator at St Mary Star of the Sea College gets a kick out of helping students and families in their time of need.
“I’m interested in the whole family. Most of my job is reaching out each day from the college to the home. It’s important families are supported by the college,” Sister Fitt said.
The Wollongong resident’s service to secondary education has seen her been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
“I’m honoured. It’s a very lovely award. This is exciting but humbling,” Sr Fitt said.
“I am so blessed to have been part of this tremendous college at St Mary’s for the last 15 years.
“The principal, Dr Frank Pitt, trusts me in the way I minister at the college.
“The Parents and Friends Care group provide me with meals to take out to families in their time of need.
“It is a joy to be the bearer of hope to people in the name of the college.”
Over the years Sr Fitt was recognised for her hard work, receiving a Pastoral Care Award from the Catholic Education office in Wollongong and a Good Samaritan Award from St Mary of the Star of the Sea.
“Education is about the whole family and that is where I have invested a great deal of my effort,” she said.
“My connection is about ongoing loving support, care and compassion which comes in many forms. You never know who might need a helping hand or an ear to listen.”
Sr Fitt said visiting HSC students at home to encourage them was one of her most “deeply moving joys” each year.
“My life has been enriched by many students on their incredible journeys in life, but also by some who have taught me how to die. I have been deeply inspired by the decisions girls have made to live out social justice values in Australia and beyond.”