Rangi Ruru Head of School Helps Preserve Holocaust Stories
Rangi Ruru Girls’ School 2026 Head of School Violetta Dacre is featured in a new documentary exploring how the stories of Holocaust survivors can continue to educate future generations.
Violetta and her brother, Rafe, a Year 10 student at Christ’s College, were paired with Holocaust survivor, Bob Narev, for the project We Were Just Children to hear about his heartbreaking experiences during World War II.
Through their conversations, they gained insight into his experiences, including his time in the Theresienstadt concentration camp in what is now the Czech Republic. Bob and his mother were among the ‘lucky ones’ selected for transport from Theresienstadt to Switzerland in early 1945, before the war ended—a journey that ultimately saved his life.
We Were Just Children was commissioned by the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand and will be screened across the country throughout the year, and in Christchurch next week. Violetta and Rafe were two of just three students selected from applicants across New Zealand.
Violetta says it was an honour to be part of the film, which helps preserve generations of stories at a time when fewer survivors remain to tell their stories firsthand.
“It has allowed me to help carry an important truth forward, ensuring that Bob’s voice continues to be heard at a time when the world needs these reminders most,” she says.
“Learning about the Holocaust in a classroom gives us historical knowledge,” Violetta says. “But hearing directly from someone who lived it changes that knowledge into something deeply human. Sitting across from Bob made history feel real in a way books and films never could.”
Head of Learning Area – Social Science, Classical Studies & History, Mrs Hayley Knight, says the film is a deeply moving tribute to honour the voices of survivors like 91-year-old Bob.
“The project is aimed at educating young people about the Holocaust through the concept of the pyramid of hate—the idea that stereotypes and biased attitudes, if left unchallenged, can escalate into far more dangerous behaviours.
“This resource will eventually be distributed to high schools nationwide and used alongside lessons aligned with the refreshed Social Studies curriculum.”
While the subject matter is confronting, Violetta says spending time with Bob and hearing his story was profound.
“Listening to his story was a privilege. Beyond everything he experienced, I was struck by his generosity, his resilience and the life he and Freda built here in New Zealand.
“I took away a profound sense of responsibility. Hearing Bob speak made history feel human and immediate. It reminded me that hatred begins quietly, and that empathy and courage begin quietly too. I left feeling inspired by Bob’s resilience and grateful for the chance to become a witness.”
Along with the stories of Bob and fellow survivor, 103-year-old Rachelle Calkeon, the documentary also uses AI technology to help preserve survivors’ voices and expressions, allowing future audiences to engage with their testimonies in new ways while remaining faithful to their lived experiences.
As fewer Holocaust survivors can share their stories in person, Violetta believes projects like We Were Just Children have an important role to play.
“Bob often says, ‘Never Again.’ But when we met, he also spoke about his concern that ‘again’ is always possible. I hope people leave understanding that hatred doesn’t begin with violence. It often begins with silence, indifference and the gradual acceptance of prejudice.”
For Violetta, the experience reinforced the importance of listening.
“These testimonies are a privilege to hear. They’re also a responsibility. I hope the film encourages conversations not only about the past, but about the choices we make today.”
Rangi Ruru Year 10 and 12 students were lucky to receive an early screening of We Were Just Children in May, but public tickets for a Christchurch screeening on August 19 are available here.