Our April–June review brings together two developments in the Foundation’s education and community work: the next stage of construction at St. Xavier’s Academy in India, and a new commitment to charitable-sector co-op opportunities at the University of Waterloo. Both reflect an investment in the conditions that help people learn and contribute over time.
St. Xavier’s Academy moves into its next stage
In our April update to supporters, we confirmed that approvals had been secured and construction was underway on the new upper level at St. Xavier’s Academy in Mathigiri, Tamil Nadu. Through the Sacred Trust Project, this next stage is intended to create more space as the school prepares for rising enrolment.
The update marked progress on a continuing project. The school had already grown into a community where children could learn, explore their interests and build confidence. Additional classrooms are part of sustaining that work as more families seek a dependable place for their children to study.
For Michael and Stacey Steele and the Foundation, the purpose of the expansion reaches beyond the building itself. It supports the teachers, children and families who use the school every day. Our April letter thanked the donors whose continued generosity had helped bring the project to this point, while making clear that completing the new level remained work ahead.
A school community with room to grow
The same update looked back at the life of the school as well as its construction. In late 2025, students had taken part in a Creative Minds Talent Expo, presenting projects about science, storytelling, space, animals and community themes. The school also hosted a Children’s Day celebration that welcomed more than 450 children from seven parishes across the Hosur Vicariate.
Those earlier experiences give context to the expansion. Classrooms support academic learning, while shared activities give children opportunities to present their work, participate with others and develop confidence. Our April account described St. Xavier’s as a growing centre of learning and encouragement for the families around it.
Reliable transport remains part of that picture. The April letter identified additional transport capacity as a need alongside the building work. Planning for more students means considering how they reach school as well as where they learn once they arrive.
For the original account, read the April donor letter and view its three pages. The School Project Media Gallery brings together more of the school’s development and daily life.
Expanding community-focused co-op at Waterloo
In June, the University of Waterloo announced our $1 million commitment to expand its Change Makers in Co-op Program. Building on the pilot launched in 2022, the new investment will help 20 students each year undertake co-op work with registered Canadian charities and non-profit organisations in Canada and internationally.
The commitment also supports preparation for work in the sector and a public summit where participants can share what they have learned. Its purpose is to reduce financial barriers to placements that connect students’ skills with community needs.
This is an expansion commitment, with placements and support to follow. Read Waterloo’s June announcement for the program details.
Thank you for supporting the work ahead
These developments connect two parts of our mission: access to education and practical service within communities. In Mathigiri, the focus is on a school’s capacity to welcome and support children. At Waterloo, it is on helping students bring their knowledge into charitable and non-profit settings.
We are grateful to the donors, educators and community partners who make this sustained work possible. Their commitment helps us plan beyond a single event and support opportunities that require preparation, relationships and continued care.