The Ripple of Kindness
SHC Article SHC Principle's Blog SHC TeacherEvery year, I share the story of the Starfish — a simple yet powerful tale that has become part of who we are at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus. It’s where our Starfish mascot was born, symbolising kindness and compassion that represent who we are as a community.
This October, as we focus on kindness as our Value of the Month, I’m retelling this story once again.
The Starfish Story, or The Star Thrower, was written by Loren Eiseley in 1969. It has been told in many versions around the world and first appeared in our own Yearbook in 2018-19.
Once upon a time, a wise man went down to the ocean to write. Each morning, he would walk along the beach before beginning his work.
One day, as he walked, he noticed a young boy bending down again and again, picking up small objects from the sand and tossing them into the sea.
“Good morning!” called the man. “May I ask what you’re doing?”
The boy looked up and replied, “I’m throwing starfish into the ocean.”
“Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the man.
“The sun is up and the tide is going out,” said the boy. “If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
The man looked down the long stretch of beach, covered with starfish as far as the eye could see. “But there must be thousands of starfish on this beach,” he said. “You can’t possibly make a difference.”
The boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and gently threw it into the sea.
He smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one.”
And soon, others who saw what the boy was doing began to join him — one by one, returning starfish to the water.
This story reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can create ripples far beyond what we see. A gentle word, a helping hand, or a moment of care — each one has the power to change someone’s day or even their life.
Kindness is one of our greatest strengths. It gives hope where it’s needed most, lifts others up, and brings joy to both the giver and the receiver. When we choose kindness, we inspire others to do the same, and that’s how real change begins.
As Aesop once said, “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.”
It’s a message close to our hearts and one that continues to shape who we are as a community at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus.
Amanda Dennison
Principal
Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus