A Newcastle High mum has slammed the school over an apparent shortage of soap, saying it doesn't make sense emphasising the importance of handwashing if students don't have the resources.
The mum, who declined to be named, said she raised handwashing after her daughter was one of several students to experience a stomach bug over the weekend.
"But she told me that there was no soap at school, none at all," the mum said.
"She said there's never been any soap there and she's been there three years. I was pretty annoyed especially when they've got hand sanitiser in every section of Parliament House."
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The mum said she called the departments of education and health on Monday and each office said it was the other's responsibility.
Bar soap has been provided in the bathrooms this week, but she has given her daughter hand sanitiser instead.
The mum said there also wasn't enough toilet paper, with the "small number" of rolls provided in the morning soon gone.
A Department of Education spokesperson said soap and toilet paper is "provided in all student bathrooms and replenished each morning, and during the day when students advise it has run out".
"Last year the school bought liquid soap dispensers which will be installed once an issue with the supply of liquid soap is resolved," they said.
"Earlier this term staff were provided with sanitising wipes for common touch points including door handles, light switches and keyboards.
"Hand sanitiser is available to students on request."
The spokesperson said students learned about personal hygiene in PDHPE.
"Decisions about measures in addition to routine cleaning are made at the school level."
