Sydney Primary School Bans Clapping At School Assemblies

A primary school in Sydney has banned clapping during school assemblies, and instead “silently cheer”, “pull excited faces” and “punch in the air” to respect students who are sensitive to loud noises.

Elanora Heights Public School, in Sydney’s northern beaches, now only allows its pupils “to conduct a silent cheer” only when prompted by teachers.

News Corp reported that the school told parents about a new ‘silent cheer’ policy in its July 18 newsletter.

“Instead of clapping, the students are free to punch the air, pull excited faces and wriggle about on the spot.

“The practice has been adopted to respect members of our school community who are sensitive to noise.

“When you attend an assembly, teachers will prompt the audience to conduct a silent cheer if it is needed.

“Teachers have also found the silent cheers to be a great way to expend children’s energy and reduce fidgeting,” the newsletter reads.

The ban on clapping comes in the wake of drastic political correct measures taken by another Australian school, whose teachers were banned from calling “ladies” or “women” in favour of “gender-neutral” terms such as “students” to avoid discrimination and give support to LGBTI students.

Some Australian schools have also banned things like hugging, singing Christmas carols, Easter parades, celebrating Australia Day and singing the word “black” in the nursery rhyme “baa baa black sheep”.

UPDATE: 

NSW Education Minister, Mr Adrian Piccoli has confirmed that the changes the school has made are due to a teacher with hearing aids. He has said “this is about accommodating a teacher with a disability”.

“I believe we should be respectful to people with disabilities and if we can slightly change what we do to accommodate them, then we should,” he said.

“I am advised that there is no ban on clapping.”

Source: News.com.au, Dailymail.co.uk and Kidspot.com.au