The sound of one hand clapping

Shhhh!

A public primary school on Sydney's northern beaches has banned clapping in an effort to cater for students who are 'sensitive to noise'.

In the most recent issue of Elanora Heights Public School's 'Connect' newsletter, an announcement from the Parents and Citizens Association reveals a 'silent cheers' policy has been introduced at school assemblies. The practice requires students and audience members alike to refrain from clapping, instead mandating a set of appreciative physical gestures in order to 'respect members of the school community who are sensitive to noise'.

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

I used to get paddled for "pulling faces" and "wriggling about" while in school. Now they're telling the kids to do it. No wonder they're so confused.