Sydney school welcomes teacher with hearing disability by introducing ‘silent cheers’ policy

A school in Sydney’s northern beaches has introduced a “silent cheers” policy, in a bid to accommodate the needs of a teacher with a hearing disability.

The initiative, outlined in Elenora Heights Public School’s Parents and Citizens Association newsletter, encourages students to “punch the air, pull excited faces and wriggle about on the spot” rather than clap during school assemblies, held once every few weeks.

The NSW Department of Education said the aim was to “minimise discomfort to a teacher with a hearing disability that causes acute sensitivity to loud noise”, after the school was accused of “political correctness”.

“At other school occasions involving all students in the school, such as sporting events, artistic performances, smaller gatherings of students and staff, there are no restrictions on students clapping or cheering,” it told 9news.com.au.

“The school’s Parents and Citizens group was consulted and support this decision.”

The new policy comes in the wake of the schools’ recently implemented “friendship seat” scheme, by which children may sit in certain seats if they are feeling lonely during their break.

A description of the scheme appeared in a previous edition of the school’s “Connect” newsletter.

“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,” it read.

The school hopes the scheme will help create “a friendly, caring and inclusive school environment”.