Vermilion Bay is one of those unique graphic locations with beautiful Eagle Lake to the south and the Trans-Canada Highway bordering the community's northern section. During the spring, summer and fall Vermilion Bay blossoms into an important tourist area. Winter in Vermilion Bay provides many recreational opportunities as well as a quieter mode of life for local residents. There is snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing and of course hockey. Vermilion Bay is fortunate to have the Woodland Arena next to Lillian Berg School where students enjoy full access to the facility. Vermilion Bay also has a Seniors Complex, a Medical Clinic and Pharmacy, a Seniors Centre, Community Gardens, a Grocery Store (Co-op), and several great gift shops.
Lillian Berg School was established in June of 1975 and was named after Mrs. Lillian Berg who was instrumental in her participation in school programs from 1921 to 1969. Mrs. Berg was awarded the Ontario Secondary School Federation Lamp of Learning Citation for her unceasing work in education for over 47 years. At the present time Lillian Berg School has an enrollment of 104 students with classes from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, with 41% of our students self-identified as First Nation, Metis or Inuit. Lillian Berg has 7 classroom teachers, 5 Educational Assistants, 1 Early Childhood Educator, 1 librarian, 1 Administrative Assistant, and 1 Principal. Lillian Berg School features a large gymnasium, well-stocked library and makerspace, a student kitchen and immediate access to the Woodland arena for skating and hockey, as well as a Baseball Diamond. Our beautiful EarlyON Centre is also located within the school for preschool aged children, and the newest addition to Lillian Berg School, is the Machin Early Years daycare facility. The playground is set in a natural wooded area where students can play on our playground structures, or play organized games using the basketball court or soccer field, or join in a school yard favourite game, Gaga Ball! Technology plays an important role at Lillian Berg School and is used as a learning tool in our classrooms. Students are equipped with laptops, iPads and netbooks and all classrooms have interactive touchscreen TV’s as teachers work to prepare our students for success in a dynamic, technology intensive 21st century. The teachers at Lillian Berg School believe in educating the "whole child" and are committed to using authentic and hands-on learning opportunities as well as our Forest School outdoor classroom to help promote problem solving, curiosity and a love of learning. We provide archery, court sports, and utilize the Woodland Arena as part of our regular physical education programs. All students have an opportunity to participate in extracurricular sports and activities where they participate in tournaments with other local schools within our board. Community is important at Lillian Berg School. We host a variety of community events such as Thanksgiving and Christmas community events and a concert. Staff and students join the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the cenotaph and host a talent show for families and community members to enjoy. Community members are encouraged to use the school after hours through the community use of school programs. Lillian Berg has a dedicated group of volunteers who ensure our students have delicious home cooked lunches for students. The Hot Lunch program is offered once a week, and is available to purchase via School Cash Online. Lillian Berg also has the NOW Program and SNP Programs offered in partnership with the Northwestern Health Unit, that ensure every student has daily access to free and healthy food options both in school and at home. Communication with parents is important to the staff at Lillian Berg School. We have established an email contact list for parents to receive their newsletters and notices. Paper copies of newsletters and notices are also available by request of the parent. We have an active Facebook and Webpage which we encourage everyone to read.