College development coordinator Jenni Parkinson sent a email of support to the chief commissioner after feeling that media criticism of Mr Overland speaking at his son's school fundraising dinner was unfair and unwarranted.

Mrs Parkinson said schools would all be better places if more parents were able to volunteer like Simon Overland had done.

After receiving the email Mr Overland offered to attend Emmanuel College Evening of Inspiration on October 23.

The function is the second annual dinner at which past students will be inducted into the Emmanuel College Inspiring Alumni.

Last year Michelle Ferris, Shane Howard, Dr Rosalie Boyce, Kevin Ryan, Br Frank O'Shea and Lisa Gorman were inducted and this year's intake includes Natalie Houlihan, Dave Hughes, Brendan Keilar, Barry O'Dwyer and Kathryn Ryan.

Mr Overland will be the key speaker, supported by Dave Hughes.

Emmanuel College principal Philip Morison said the purpose of the Inspiring Alumni was to inspire the schools current and future students by putting before them examples of Emmanuel Alumni who had excelled in their chosen careers or had made outstanding contributions to their community.