A primary school has banned students from clapping to try and respect students who are “sensitive to noise”.
In its latest newsletter, Sydney’s Elanora Heights Public School announced it now only allows students to “silent cheer”, pull “excited faces”,”punch the air and wriggle about on the spot” when prompted by teachers at school assemblies.
The school says this helps to respect ‘members of the school community who are sensitive to sound”, Sky News reported.
“Teachers have also found the silent cheers to be a great way to expend children’s energy and reduce fidgeting,” the newsletter stated.
The policy follows the announcement of a “friendship seat” in the school’s previous newsletter.
The concept exists to encourage “a friendly, caring and inclusive school environment” by alerting students if their friends are lonely during their break.
“By sitting on the seat, the student is alerting others that they may be lonely. Students are then encouraged to include the student in their play.”
Earlier this week, teachers at an Australian girls high school were instructed to avoid using the terms ‘girls, ‘ladies’ or ‘women’ so as to support LGBTI pupils and avoid discrimination.
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