Sydney primary school bans clapping in favour of pulling excited faces, punching the air
A Sydney primary school has banned clapping at assembly, and instead encourages students to "punch the air, pull excited faces and wriggle about on the spot" to celebrate achievements.
The school, on Sydney’s northern beaches, only allows students to share a "silent cheer" in favour of applause, to show "respect" to students sensitive to noise.
The bizarre move was announced in a newsletter on Monday, which also stated refraining from clapping would "expend children's energy".
Under the heading "Did you know….. that our school has adopted silent cheers at assembly’s?" [sic] the newsletter reads:
"If you’ve been to a school assembly recently, you may have noticed our students doing silent cheers.
"Instead of clapping, the students are free to punch the air, pull excited faces and wriggle about on the spot.
"This practice has been adopted to respect members of our school community who are sensitive to noise," it goes on to say.
"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 news comes the same day as it was reported that teachers at prominent Sydney school Cheltenham Girls High have been told to address students using gender-neutral terms only.
The school, which retains the word "Girls" in its title, has allegedly moved to stop referring to students as “girls”, “ladies” and “women”, in a bid to create a safe environment for any LGBTI students who are apparently uncomfortable with gender labels.
It is believed the practice was introduced in connection with anti-bullying LGBTI framework Safe Schools, which was denied by new South Wales Education Minister Adrian Piccoli.
Speaking with with Macquarie Radio, the Minister said he has asked his department to investigate the language policy.
He said a meeting was to be held at the school reminding staff of discriminatory language.
A NSW Department of Education spokesperson told News Corp staff at Cheltenham Girls High would still use gender-specific terms, like "boys" and "girls".
“As the Education Minister has asked the Department for a report on public claims raised in relation to this matter, it is not appropriate to comment further on them at this time.”
The high school contradicted the reports later today in a statement made on their Facebook page.
"Cheltenham Girls’ High School has a proud, ongoing tradition of providing high quality education for girls," the statement said.
"The school has not, and will not, change the way students’ gender is referred to.
"The school supports all of its students in a positive and inclusive environment, in which each girl is treated with respect and dignity."
The practice of political correctness at extremes follows the banning of hugging at a Geelong primary school in April.
Pupils at St Patricks Primary School were told to find alternative methods to show affection to fellow students and teachers.
Principal John Grant said in April, hugging was replaced with high five-ing or “a knuckle handshake”.
“We have a lot of kids who walk up and hug each other and we’re trying to encourage all of us to respect personal space,” Mr Grant told News Corp.
“It really comes back to not everyone is comfortable in being hugged.”
“We are simply focussed on teaching all students to respect their own and other people’s personal space.
“We are encouraging students to consider other forms of positive acknowledgement as all students have the right to feel safe and comfortable at school.”
