A Call to Re-Enchant Education: Kenneth Crowther Addresses Campion’s Formal Hall

Campion College’s Formal Hall on 15 May 2025 brought students, staff and guests together for an evening of reflection, music and conversation, with a memorable address from guest speaker Mr Kenneth Crowther. Mr Crowther is the founding principal of St John Henry Newman College, a classical Catholic school opening in Brisbane in 2026. Drawing from literature, philosophy and personal experience, he urged students to see their education not merely as head knowledge, but as a transformative journey.

“This education that you’re receiving here is valuable because it is true and good and beautiful… but for it to become objectively good in you, you need to allow it to work on you – not for you to do something with it, but to let it do something to you,” he said. He warned against acedia, a spiritual apathy born from a rejection of limitations, and challenged students to embrace the boundaries that give life meaning – commitment, vocation, and authentic relationship.

Mr Crowther’s vision of education is one that re-enchants students to see the world as it truly is. “True education reveals to people that the world is enchanted… Things are more than they appear; they’re more than just the sum of their parts.”

The evening closed with a heartfelt encouragement to those considering teaching. “Education is an introduction to reality, and reality is enchanted,” he said. “We need teachers who see reality properly and who can give that gift to other people.”

The evening also featured community announcements and a piano performance of Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar main theme by student Xavier Wall. In closing, Dr Paul Morrissey thanked Mr Crowther for his thought-provoking address and encouraged students considering a career in education to connect with him.

See below for photos from the night.