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Two Catholic schools that sustained damages after the Aug. 10 propane explosion will open for the first day of school on Tuesday as scheduled.

Public meetings were held Monday and Tuesday this week to update parents, students and staff on the results of ongoing tests that took place at both Madonna Catholic Secondary and St. Norbert Catholic schools.

"It's safe to say that the school is safe both structurally and in air quality," said Catholic school trustee Mary Cicogna (Ward 4, North York).

Environmental engineers submitted a report confirming that no asbestos fibres have been detected in either school. The full report is available on the Toronto Catholic District School Board website at www.tcdsb.org.

Structural assessments were also completed at both schools.

About 70 windows at Madonna Catholic Secondary were shattered and some rooms had walls with exposed cracks and buckled ceilings as a result of the propane blast. All the windows have been replaced but some of the rooms won't be accessible when school starts until the final repairs are done.

"Some space will be restricted as the work is ongoing," Cicogna said. "We're being cautious. Hopefully by the first week (of school), students will have access to all rooms."

With some parents concerned about the emotional stress their children could be going through in the aftermath of the explosion, Cicogna said that counsellors will be available on the first day of school.

Social support systems will also be in place at both public schools affected by the blast.

An information meeting was held Thursday evening at Ancaster Public School to provide updates for parents, staff and students from Ancaster and Downsview Secondary schools after The Mirror's deadline.

But Gerry Connelly, director of education for the Toronto District School Board, stated earlier that she anticipated both schools to open and be ready by Tuesday when students return from their summer vacation.