Ms Cheung – Mackenzie Houseparent

7 March 2021Emily P, Mack ‘22

Ms Sue Cheung, as our Houseparent, is a huge part of Mackenzie House, but also a mother, competitive soccer player, teacher, and someone who likes to help anywhere she can. She lives in Mack with her husband Mr Robinson, her two boys, Kainan, Ellis ‘24, Jayden, Ellis ‘28, and their sizable English Mastiff, Tyee.

Her Brentwood journey began in 2011 as a science teacher and a duty person in Mack, and she first fell in love with the cheerful spirit of the house. In 2012, she became Assistant Houseparent to Mrs. Maggie Flynn, who then passed down the role to Ms. Cheung in 2013. She also helps run a biennial service trip to Eswatini with Mr Robinson and Ms Hall, through the Swazikids non-profit organization.

The houses are an intrinsic part of the school environment for students, and many special bonds are formed. “Houses are where students should feel respected, heard, supported, and appreciated. The relationships are formed, from the day new students arrive in Mackenzie House, and being embraced as a part of our family is the most special part of being in the boarding house as this lasts even after they have left our school” expressed Ms. Cheung while explaining why the house is so important to her.

Her life began in Hong Kong where she was born, and she immigrated to Canada when she was six months old. She grew up in Calgary where she, unfortunately, became a Flames fan. After high school, she went to UBC and finished with a major in marine biology and a minor in psychology. When she learned that lab research wasn’t for her, she moved back to Calgary to do her education degree in secondary science.

She then worked for ten years in a charter school in Calgary, where she developed her passion for teaching and helping while learning many life lessons. One is “Everyone has a story. We cannot make assumptions about individuals as we don’t know exactly what they are bringing to the situation” stated Ms Cheung while also indicating that “Patience, understanding, and respect are needed to make those connections and to allow students to feel like they are supported and can thrive in any environment.”

That said, Ms Cheung would also like everyone to follow the instruction on the sign on her door that reads “Put on your big girl pants and deal with it!”

Emily P, Mack ‘22

Where Students Choose To Be